About

What is Cross Country?

Are you thinking about joining the cross country team? Wondering what the sport is all about? Visit our Guide for Prospective Runners and Parents for an overview of our program.

Guide for Prospective Runners and Parents

The Clarkston Cross Country program is composed of four teams:

  • Clarkston High School Boys
  • Clarkston High School Girls
  • Clarkston Junior High Boys & Girls (8th grade)
  • Sashabaw Middle School Boys & Girls (6th and 7th grade)

Clarkston High School Team

The high school team is made up of 9th through 12th grade students and practices at Clarkston High School. For more information about the high school team, visit the high school link.

Clarkston Junior High and Sashabaw Middle School Teams

The team is made up of runners from Sashabaw Middle School (6th and 7th graders) and Clarkston Junior High School (8th graders). We offer fall cross country from September through October. We also offer summer conditioning open to any sport athletes or to anyone who just wants something to do in the summer.

Fall Cross Country

The fall cross country program starts on the second day of school (first full day). Practice is every day after school. You will want to have with you every day your running attire, water bottle, and a lock for the locker room. We practice on the school grounds as well as many nearby subdivisions. We also sometimes run and practice at the high school. SMS meets after school in the 6th grade gym; CJHS meets after school in room 404. We compete against other schools in 8–10 different meets. There could be anywhere from a couple of teams up to 30+ teams at the same meet! The end of the season concludes with a team banquet.

Summer Conditioning

The summer conditioning program is a great way to be introduced to cross country as well as condition for other sports. The program begins in late June and runs through mid-August. Sessions are held twice a week in the evenings at Clarkston High School. Practices involve running on the CHS campus and other activities, and two of the sessions include bike rides. Workouts are held on the CHS campus; meet behind CHS next to the stadium. Come dressed ready to work out and bring a water bottle. Athletes are not required to attend every session. This program is for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. See the announcements on our main page for details on how to sign up and which days and times each week we will be meeting.

Meet the Coaches

Coach Matt Klaver – SMS

Coach Klaver began coaching cross country in 2009 as an assistant coach for the CHS Girls. In 2010, Coach Klaver took over the coaching duties at Sashabaw Middle School from Coach Kenny. Coach Klaver was also an assistant coach for the CHS Girls Track and Field team from 2009-2014. In high school, Coach Klaver ran cross country, track and field, and played baseball. Coach Klaver teaches math and science at Clarkston High School. When Coach Klaver isn’t coaching he loves spending time at home with his family. Coach Klaver enjoys running, and in 2010 ran in the Boston Marathon.

Coach Jamie Rykse – CJHS

Coach Rykse first started coaching cross country his first year teaching (fall 2000). This was also the very first year for middle school cross country in Clarkston. Coach Rykse began at Sashabaw Middle School assisting former Coach Kenny. The next year, Coach Rykse took over the coaching duties from former Coach Gallagher at Clarkston Middle School (now Clarkston Junior High). In high school, Coach Rykse participated in water polo, swimming and track. His favorite event in track was the 800. Coach Rykse teaches math at Clarkston Junior High. Coach Rykse loves to run. Pre-kids he enjoyed running in 5K’s, the Crim and one Marathon (Chicago).

Coach Kevin Breen – CHS Girls

Coach Larry Adams – CHS Boys

Coach Lane Hurd – SMS

Coach Hurd began coaching cross country in 2022. He has a love of sports and a passion of seeing our youth be as active as possible. While Coach Hurd never ran cross country in high school he was active in tennis, golf, and basketball. Coach Hurd enjoys running as a lifelong sport and believes that healthy habits start at a young age!  When not teaching PE at Sashabaw Middle School, Coach Hurd loves traveling with his wife around the world!