Why Team LionHeart Cross Country Season is a gamechanger (and why your child should be involved):
As of right now, the cross country efforts of Team LionHeart exist because of one dad/coach, his daughter, and the goodwill of the USATF CT Association. However, if more athletes in Fairfield show interest in participation, something better should be able to happen.
If not, we’ll continue as a small team and make the best of it.
What makes a LionHeart season?
Competitions make a Team LionHeart season. Those competitions take place in the Greater New York City region at the following places:
- Waveny Park in New Canaan, CT – The local team known as the New Canaan Blazers host a series of 3K XC meets throughout the months of September and October.
- Van Cortlandt Park (Bronx, NY): The USATF NYC association is one of the most competitive regions in the entire country, and they have the courses and facilities to back them up. Each fall, USATF NYC host at least a couple meets in the Bronx at Van Cortlandt Park where runners can compete in their own age group.
- Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex (Staten Island, NY): Another amazing element that USATF NY brings to the table. This world class facility not only hosts cross country outside in the fall, but a whole host of indoor short track events in the winter ranging from youth competitions to olympic level athletics.
- White Memorial Foundartion in Litchfield, CT – This particular venue has hosted the USATF Connecticut association championship over the last of couple seasons.
- Allen’s Meadow in Wilton, CT – a versatile 35-acre public park that doubles as a challenging and scenic cross country venue, particularly beloved by high school and youth teams in Fairfield County.
- Wickham Park in Manchester, CT – Home to the CT middle school championships (in 2025)
- Highland Park: Attleboro, MA – Home to the USATF Region One Junior Olympic Championship (in 2025)
- Franklin Park: Boston, MA – The “Bear Cage” hill at mile 1.5 has ended more dreams than a bad report card. Crest it with the skyline behind you, and you’ll hear the ghost of Bill Rodgers whispering, “Relax your shoulders.”
Being that Team LionHeart is based in Fairfield, CT… we have access to competitions at each one of the venues mentioned above. And from the perspective of a coach and a father who sees value in building endurance, it doesn’t make sense not to take advantage of everything this region has to offer.
Connect with Team LionHeart and let’s see what we can do.
