Tree of Life Christian Schools Prepares for the 2025 Cross Country Season

Tree of Life runners are gearing up for an action-packed cross country season, with several events and new strategies set to make this year memorable. Under the guidance of Nate & Katie Smith, the Trojans' season is filled with competitive meets and special events designed to build team spirit and carryon the fun, supportive community that has existed for years now. The teams schedule includes notable races such as the Seneca East Stars, Stripes, and Lights, which promises a nighttime race experience under stadium lights, a fireworks display and a parachuting plane jumper! This race does a great job of paying tribute to veterans. For those who are interested in an adventure, the team plans to camp out in tents after this meet! 7th through 12th grade are able to compete. All are welcome to join the team for any or all of the planned festivities. Other key meets include competitions at Newark Catholic, Madison Christian, Bishop Hartley hosting the Central Ohio Invitational at Three Creeks Metro park, Lancaster, Liberty Christian, Johnstown, the MOCAL league meet, and Mount Gilead Christian schools invitational. Select high school athletes will be invited to participate in the district championship meet in Hilliard at the end of the season. Qualified runners may advance from districts to the regional meet and then on to the state competition. Despite the loss of notable runners Terra Hall, Maggie Meyers, and Evan Davis to graduation, the team boasts a robust lineup of 18 returning high school athletes and many eager new additions across different age groups. Highlights - TOL XC has 19 high school athletes with the potential to add 4 more to the roster this week. 16 middle school runners. 7 fun runners (elementary age). The team is looking forward to a new family gathering this season - a team pool party on September 26th. The team is grateful to the hosts! Coach's Nate & Katie Smith have expressed their enthusiasm for the season's start, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, encouragement, with the main goal of glorifying God in all that they do. This team is in pursuit of athletic and academic excellence this season. As the Trojans continue their preparations, they remain focused on strategic training and team unity, all while looking forward to the commencement of their racing season.