Cross Country
Your support is appreciated! Donate to the TJ Cross Country program to support the team:
TJ XC 2024!
We are so excited about another upcoming cross-country season!
All runners and parents should download the Remind App for frequent updates and communication from coaches. We will also use Remind to communicate about summer practices/preseason.
- TJ Cross-Country Remind code: @tjxco2024
Please see the welcome letter (linked below) regarding important details about our team and summer training. There is also a link to the x-country workout descriptions and a summer running log.
Summer training is essential to success in cross-country. If you show up in the fall without a base of endurance and strength, you’ll either spend most of the season getting to square one, or you’ll quickly get hurt as you attempt workouts you’re not ready for. But summer running need not — and should not — be difficult and stressful. This is a time for gradually building your body. Week by week you’ll feel running get easier and you’ll be going longer and faster with less effort.
Official xc season start date is August 12, 2024. Practice is Mon-Fri (3:35-5:15pm) and we meet on the track. Our first meet is on August 24, 2024.
Don’t forget to get a physical and pay/register on Family ID before the start of the season!
Head Coach: Jessica 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.
Assistant Coach: Marianna Barclay
Marianna Barclay is the assistant Cross Country coach and social studies teacher at Thomas Jefferson. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree and received a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She is a personal trainer and has a passion for physical and mental wellness.
Volunteer Coach: Megan Miccio
Megan Miccio is a volunteer coach this year for Cross County as well as the School Health Professional at TJ. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Colorado @ Denver and her Masters degree in Social Work from University of Denver. Megan ran Track and Field all through school and cites that experience as her most memorable from high school. Megan is an avid runner and signs up for many races throughout the year.
Questions about cross-country? Reach out to Coach Popper or Coach Barclay!
