TJ Cross-Country   

Head Coach: Jessica Popper 

Assistant Coaches:  Megan Miccio &  Fred Van Remortel

XC Overview: Cross-country is a team distance running sport where athletes race over a 5K (3.1 mile) course on varied terrain. All athletes train together, and varsity spots are typically earned by the top 7 runners based on race times, while all others compete as part of the JV team. Varsity and JV placements can shift throughout the season as athletes improve and race results change.

Communication:  All runners and parents should download the Remind App for frequent updates and communication from coaches. TJ Cross-Country Remind code: @tjxco2025

Practice & Meets: All information regarding TJXC practice times and our meet schedule (including class dismissal/buses, etc) can be found on this document: TJXC  Practice & Meet Information

Please check this document regularly for updates! 

Participation & Expectations: Cross-country is a no-cut sport in terms of athletic ability—runners of all levels of experience are welcome and encouraged to join. However, being part of the team comes with expectations around  effort, attendance, behavior, and sportsmanship. Athletes who fail to  meet the the following requirements will result in dismissal from the team:  

• Attend practice consistently and communicate with coaches in advance about any absences (see details below)
• Follow directions from all coaches and give their best effort during  practices and meets
• Demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship toward teammates, coaches, competitors, and themselves
• Demonstrate grit—perseverance through tough workouts, hot weather, early mornings, and setbacks
• Contribute positively to a team culture that values hard work, support, and continuous improvement

If you have questions about cross-country, please reach out to Coach Popper!

Jessica Popper is the head boys’ and girls’ cross-country coach, as well as a social studies teacher here at TJ. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree from the University of Colorado.  Jessica was an avid cross-country and track runner throughout her high school career, and she continues to compete in races today.