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Shady Side Academy’s Lower Schools Cross Country: Growing, Learning, and Running Strong

Shady Side Academy’s Lower Schools cross country program continues to thrive, offering students in grades 2-5 from both the Junior School and Country Day School the chance to develop physical and mental strength. With over 76 runners participating this season, the program has become a key part of Shady Side’s athletic offerings for younger students.

This year was an especially remarkable season, with the second- and third-grade teams consistently finishing first at races. The fourth- and fifth-grade teams also frequently placed highly in competitions. Competing against 15 other Pittsburgh-area schools, including both public and private schools, the students raced through local parks like White Oak, Boyce, Schenley, Frick, and on Shady Side’s Senior School campus.

The program, founded in 2017 by Karen DiFiore, began with just 31 students. As interest grew, participation expanded to 50 students at the Junior School, and Country Day School’s team now boasts 26-27 runners. The program’s growth reflects the increasing interest in cross country for younger students, and coaches have worked hard to provide a welcoming environment for all.

“One of the best parts of the program is how it brings the Junior School and Country Day communities together,” said DiFiore. “We’ve created an opportunity for students from both campuses to bond over a shared love of running.”

This season, the primary goal was for each student to finish a race without walking. Coaches Chase Walter, Nick Hammon, Jennifer Riscili, Brandon Howe, and Melissa Petitto-Kenny at the Junior School, along with DiFiore, Micaela Tucker, Hannah Rich, Justin Rebitch, and Amanda Peterman at Country Day, helped students improve their race times and placements, motivating them to contribute to the team’s success. "Everyone has a role on the team," said DiFiore, emphasizing cross country’s unique blend of individual and team effort.

Coaching young runners presents its challenges. “The biggest hurdle is teaching them that they can do hard things,” DiFiore explained. “When they start to feel uncomfortable during a run, we help them push through that feeling rather than stop.” Building mental and emotional strength, alongside physical conditioning, has been key to the students’ growth this season.

The coaches have witnessed remarkable progress. Confidence, resilience, and camaraderie are just a few of the life skills the students have developed. The support from parents/guardians and peers, who cheer for every runner regardless of their place in the race, fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.

Many students have grown noticeably more confident over the season. "If you talk to the kids, you'll hear them say, 'I couldn’t do this at the start of the season, but now I can finish without walking,’” DiFiore said. Parents have echoed these sentiments, sharing how their children set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Every session ends with a running game to keep practices fun, ensuring that even the toughest workouts conclude with laughter. For many students, the joy of being active with friends is just as important as their race results.

After the cross country season, the students participate in the Kids of STEEL program, preparing for a kids’ marathon or a 5K race in the spring, which keeps them active through the winter and deepens their love of running.

Shady Side Academy’s lower school cross country program continues to make strides, developing strong, confident, and determined young runners who are part of a vibrant, supportive community. Beyond improving their athletic skills, students form friendships and learn valuable life lessons, building camaraderie and a love for running that unites both the Junior and Country Day Schools.

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