Cross Country
St Mary's College Cross Country squad: open to Years 5–12, training Tuesday and Thursday 7:15am from the Main Oval, coaches, CSSA Cross Country and Fun Run dates, what to bring, cost (nil) and how to join.
The Cross Country squad is a friendly, no-cut running group that meets before school twice a week. Around 70 students from Years 5 to 12 train together, from beginners aiming to finish the College Cross Country without stopping to our CSSA medallists. The squad runs all year but is busiest in Terms 1 and 2 ahead of the College Cross Country Carnival in May and the CSSA Cross Country Championships in June.
Who can join
Years 5–12, all abilities. No trial. Junior runners (Years 5–6) run a shorter loop with a staff member at all times.
Season
Year-round. The competitive season is Terms 1–2; Terms 3–4 sessions are base-building and are also used by athletics distance runners preparing for the 800m and 1500m.
Training
| Day | Time | Meeting point |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:15–8:15am | Main Oval (near the scoreboard) |
| Thursday | 7:15–8:15am | Main Oval (near the scoreboard) |
Sessions start with a group warm-up on the oval at 7:15am sharp, then groups run one of three routes: Oval loops (Years 5–6 and beginners, 3–4km, staff-supervised on campus), the Linear Park loop (4–6km through Wattle Creek Linear Park, sealed path, with a staff runner), or Hill reps on the Chapel Road hill. Runners are back by 8:10am and showers are available in the Sports Centre. Junior runners are walked to the Junior yard for 8:15am supervision.
Coaches
- Ms Jane Whitfield — Head Coach (Athletics Australia Level 2 Recreational Running Coach, Melbourne Marathon finisher ×11)
- Mr Angus Ross — Middle-distance coach (also athletics 800m/1500m)
- Mr Chris Nguyen and Ms Bec Lawson — staff runners
Competition calendar 2026–27
| Date | Event | Who | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 8 May 2026 | College Cross Country Carnival — completed | Whole school | Results on Cross Country Carnival |
| Thursday 4 June 2026 | CSSA Cross Country Championships — completed | Selected Years 7–12 | Bundoora Park; College 2nd of 12 schools |
| Friday 19 June 2026 | NDPSA Cross Country — completed | Selected Years 3–6 | Kingsley Park Reserve |
| Sunday 11 October 2026 | Melbourne Marathon Festival 5.7km — optional | Squad families | Meet Ms Whitfield at the College tent, 7:00am |
| Friday 7 May 2027 | College Cross Country Carnival | Whole school | Main Oval start |
| Thursday 3 June 2027 | CSSA Cross Country Championships | Selected Years 7–12 | Bundoora Park |
CSSA selection
The CSSA team (top 8 in each age group, boys and girls, 12/13 years to 20 years) is selected from College Carnival results. Squad attendance is not required for selection but nearly all team members train with the squad.
What to bring
- Sport uniform is worn to training; students change into full school uniform afterwards unless it is their timetabled PE day
- Running shoes (not school shoes), a second pair of socks, towel
- Drink bottle; a warm top for the walk home in winter; hat and sunscreen in Terms 1 and 4
- Asthma medication if required — tell the coach before the run
Cancellations
Training runs in rain. It is cancelled for lightning, on days of Total Fire Ban, or if the forecast is 35°C or above at 6:00am (morning sessions use the earlier check). Cancellations are sent by SMS and Learning Hub notification by 6:30am. Off-campus routes are not used when air quality is rated Poor or worse.
Cost
Nil. Optional external events (Melbourne Marathon Festival) are entered and paid for by families directly.
How to join
Complete the Cross Country Squad form on the Parent Portal (Forms → Sport) and turn up on the next Tuesday or Thursday. Runners may join at any time of the year.
Contact
Mr Luke Ferraro, Director of Sport — sport@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au — (03) 9555 0100. Head Coach Ms Jane Whitfield via the Sports Centre office. Junior runners: Mr Daniel Ruiz, juniorsport@stmaryswc.vic.edu.au.