Lincoln Youth XC Parent Information

 

Welcome, Cross Country Athletes and Families!

We look forward to meeting you and kicking off an exciting cross country season. Cross country is a great way to build lasting friendships, stay healthy, and challenge yourself while having fun. We are excited to support each athlete as they grow, improve, and become part of our team.

 

 

Registration

Step 1: On the left side of our website, click on registration. You will need to register your child with LYTC. Please be sure to answer all the registration questions completely.

Step 2: All athletes must have a current USATF membership and be age verified through USATF before they are eligible to compete in meets. Please complete both requirements as soon as possible to avoid any delays during the season. Go to http://www.usatf.org and purchase a one year membership. 

 

Practices

Practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at Pioneers Park (West Van Dorn entrance)—rain, shine, or even snow!

If practice must be canceled due to severe weather or other circumstances, an email will be sent by 5:00 p.m., and the cancellation will also be posted on TeamSnap.

We are often finished a little early, and as the days get shorter, we will adjust practice times as needed so athletes are not running after dark.

Please have your athlete:

• Dress appropriately for the weather. Nebraska weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and bring extra layers when needed.
• Bring a labeled water bottle to every practice.

• Our cross country season will run from September 1 through November 5th.

  If your child qualifies for the National Championships and you would like them to participate, we will extend practices beyond the regular season through the National meet, which is typically held in December. Additional practice schedules and details will be shared with qualifying families as the season progresses.

Meets

Cross country meets are held on Sundays.

Athletes are expected to wear their LYTC uniform while representing our club. Uniforms will be distributed during the first week of practice.

There are no additional meet fees for families. Lincoln Youth Track Club covers all meet entry costs.

While participation in meets is not required, we strongly encourage athletes to compete. Meets are a great opportunity to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and cheer on their teammates in a fun and supportive environment.

Our Home Meets are on October 4th and 25th, 2026 we will need everyone’s help to put on these meets. 

If we all work together—coaches, athletes, and families—we can make this season a success for our kids. Your encouragement, support, and involvement help create a positive team environment where everyone can thrive. That teamwork is what makes cross country both fun and successful.

 

Registering for our meets is easy! Just visit our website, click on Registration, complete the form, and submit it. That's it—easy peasy!

 

A cross country information packet will be distributed at our Cross Country Meet & Greet on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Pioneers Park. Please check our website for event details and any updates. Information packets will also be available on the first day of practice for anyone who is unable to attend the Meet & Greet.

 

Give LYTC Cross Country a try—you won't be disappointed! We are a fun, supportive group that knows how to encourage one another both on and off the course. Along the way, athletes build lasting friendships, develop healthy minds and bodies, and gain confidence through teamwork and perseverance.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We'd be happy to help!

Email: [email protected]

 

Age Divisions and Race Lengths

17-18 year olds -- 5,000 meters (~3.1 miles)
15-16 year olds -- 5,000 meters
13-14 year olds -- 4,000 meters (~2.5 miles)
11-12 year olds-- 3,000 meters (~1.9 miles)
9-10 year olds-- 3,000 meters
8 and Under-- 2,000 meters (~1.3 miles)

 

Race Schedule

Our race schedule will be released as soon as USATF approves this year's meet schedule. Once it is finalized, we will share it with all families through TeamSnap, email, and our website.

Please keep an eye out for updates—we're excited to get the season underway!

 

• Coaches

  A heartfelt thank you to our amazing coaches for volunteering their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make this cross country season a success. Their dedication and commitment to our athletes are what make Lincoln Youth Track Club such a positive and supportive place to learn, grow, and compete.

  We are grateful to have the following coaches leading our athletes this season:

• Lisa Graham (Head Coach) 
• Bobbi Kriz-Wickham
• Frank Graham
• Rob Smith
• Mary Amen
• Kirsten Smith
• Dylan Smith
• Cathy Ebers 

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