Northwest Area Cross Country Program

05/17/2026

05/17/2026

Hardware Roundup! Congratulations to all our Rangers who competed this weekend in the District IV Championship! Special shoutout to these student-athletes who made the podium, set new records, and are continuing onto the State Championship!

05/15/2026

She’s on a roll! Last night, Kayana destroyed the existing school record for the 3200m chopping 20 seconds off the 26-year old time held previously by Lyndsey Keller.

Other highlights from Day 1 of Districts:
Michael punched his ticket to States in the 3200m and Julia placed fourth in the Long Jump!

We will be back tomorrow with more highlights from Day 2!

05/13/2026

Did we mention swag and prizes??
First, Everyone who attends will be entered to win a basket donated by Valley Running Co.!

Second, the first 15 to arrive the morning of the workshop will receive a complimentary bag of swag from Asics!

More specials and giveaways are the works, so register today at the link below or in our bio!

So mark your calendar and come out to Northwest Area High School on Saturday May 30th for our Elite Distance Runner & Cross Country Workshop!

Open to student-athletes, coaches, and parents, join us as we unpack the secrets to maximizing your running potential!

RSVP Here!
https://forms.gle/7nhyD6PmPoCuGUKo8

05/12/2026

RUNNING RANGERS SPONSOR OF THE WEEK!

Thank you to Sirak’s Greenhouse for being a repeat supporter of our Running Rangers! Spring is here and Sirak’s is ready for your home flower and garden needs!
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We are still looking for business and community member sponsors to make our 2026 program the biggest and best Running Rangers yet! Your generosity and support helps us provide our kids with team gear, shoes, and a safe environment to stay active and healthy through the summer. Email Coach Henderson at [email protected] for more information about how to get involved!

05/07/2026

Benton Tigers! Don’t let the Rangers have all the fun! We love the fact that we co-op our program and are looking for some Tigers to fill our Fall line up!

Coach Henderson will be visiting Benton High School on Friday this week to meet with anyone interested in knowing more about our program! Come on down during your Activity Period!

Can’t make it but still want more information? Email Coach Henderson at [email protected]

05/06/2026

Registration for Running Rangers is open! Any Northwest or Benton students currently in Grades 4-6th are eligible. Forms should be coming home with Northwest students today, or they can be accessed and printed at the link below.

Entry is limited to the first 50 complete applications received, including payment. Please reach out to Coach Henderson with any questions at [email protected]

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pd3VMf52uJcZnl_Zv9nZbzeV1p4cJ-WeG3CWMxukDbM/edit?usp=drivesdk

05/06/2026

RUNNING RANGERS SPONSOR OF THE WEEK!

Thank you to Name Brand Liquidations for making our Running Rangers possible! With locations in Laflin, Berwick, Briar Creek, and Edwardsville, you’re never too far away from great deals! Check them out and celebrate their 20th year of serving our area!
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We are still looking for business and community member sponsors to make our 2026 program the biggest and best Running Rangers yet! Your generosity and support helps us provide our kids with team gear, shoes, and a safe environment to stay active and healthy through the summer. Email Coach Henderson at [email protected] for more information about how to get involved!

05/05/2026

NEW SCHOOL RECORD!
Shout out to Kayana for setting a new program record in the Girls 1600m at today’s Conference Championship!

Distance continued to show up with Michael taking the top spot in the 1600m and 3200m, along with new PRs by Colton in the 1600m and Bre and Bodie in the 800m!

Special shout outs to Auria and Julia for 2nd place podium spots in the Pole Vault and 100m hurdles, respectively!

04/30/2026

Registration opens next week! Mark your calendars for Wednesday May 6th!

Coach Henderson will be stopping by the Northwest Intermediate School to open up registration for the 2026 Running Rangers!

Open to any Northwest or Benton student currently in grades 4-6. Forms will be handed out that afternoon and will be collected through May 20th or until all available spots are full.

Benton Families! Stay tuned - we will get registration forms to your building in the days to come as well!

04/30/2026

🌟 MICHAEL FRITZ 🌟

🔥 WORDS FROM COACH HENDERSON 🔥
On the team since 8th grade, Michael has put together one of the most decorated running resumes in the program’s history. From setting the school record in the 3200m run, to medalling at the State Championship, Michael has continuously set a high standard for himself and has accomplished so much in his time at Northwest. Outside of Track & Field, Michael also earned the accolades of 2025 Class A State Champion in Cross Country, following first place finishes at the District and Conference Championships. Following graduation, Michael will continue his academic and athletic career at Liberty University where he plans to study Mathematics and Secondary Education.