Cross country program slated to return to A-JCHS this fall

Cross country is set to return this fall at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School.

The A-JCHS District No. 81 Board of Education voted last week at its regular meeting to approve reinstating the cross country program.

Matt Denny will be the volunteer head coach. He will be joined by assistant volunteer coaches Ryan Vicenzi and Blake Derocher.

Denny said that it’s uncertain how many student athletes will turn out for the first year of the reinstated program. 

Students who may be interested in learning more about the program can contact Denny at 697-4000.

The team will be comprised of both boys and girls from A-J high school.

Denny said he plans to have practice and training sessions at the Denny Farm, which is located near Lick Creek School.

Plans are for practice to be held late in the evening in the event volleyball or football players are interested in playing two sports, Denny said.

Denny said students don’t have to be fast to be a member of the team, they just have to enjoy running.

The school will pay for transportation and entry fees to cross country meets. A-J track coach Michael Eudy plans to  provide uniforms.

“It’s going to take time,” Denny said about the outlook for the program. During the first year, he said  “our numbers might not be that high, but we’ll get there.”

Denny is also the Lick Creek School junior high cross country coach and track coach and A-J girls’ high school basketball coach.