Welcome to the Northside College Prep Cross Country site.

DESIRE-PRIDE-PAIN-SPIRIT-COURAGE-TOUGHNESS
GUTS-HOPE-LEADERSHIP-HEART-CONFIDENCE-GOALS
DEDICATION-FAITH-ENTHUSIASM-CHARACTER-MODESTY
SACRIFICE-IDEALS-PERSEVERANCE-WILL POWER
DURABILITY-HUMBLENESS-EXCELLENCE 

“The body achieves what the mind believes.”

 While every athlete brings certain qualities to cross country, "natural" talent is not as important as pure, hard work. What you put in is what you get out. The only thing that separates first from last is building a strong running base and a lot of hard work. Come watch us or better yet, join us as we continue to build a winning tradition.

 For more information, contact Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Jongordon9@aol.com

 For the Northside 2015 Cross Country Schedule: 2015 Cross Country Schedule

ALL members of the TEAM must have a (1) IHSA Physical, (2) Players Record Card, (3) IHSA Drug Testing Waiver Form, (4) Student Athlete Contract, and (5) ATI Physical Therapy Consent Form turned in to Head Coach Jon Gordon on or before August 12, 2015. THANKS. 

For IHSA Athletic Forms: 2015 Northside Athletic Forms

Friendly reminders, Northside Top 7 Varsity and Top 7 Sophomore-Freshman athletes practice at 6:30 am on Monday, August 17-21, 2015. Northside Junior Varsity TEAM practices at 3:30 pm on Monday, August 17-21, 2015. The entire Team will practice from 7:30 am - 9:30 am on Saturday, August 22, 2015 and Saturday,  August 29, 2015. TEAM / Parents PIZZA PARTY on Sunday, August 23, 2015, Noon - 2 pm at Universal Sole. THANKS. 

Two Buses leave Northside at 2:00 pm on Monday, August 24, 2015 for the Yorkville Invitational.

August 25 - September 4:  Varsity / Sophomore Top 7 practice at 6:30 am - 8:30 am / Junior Varsity practice at 3:30 pm - 5:30 PM

September 8 - November 7: Varsity / Sophomore Top 7 practice at 6:30 am - 7:30 am AND 3:30 pm - 4:30 PM

                                              Junior Varsity practice 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

 ATHLETES THAT MISS NINE PRACTICES FROM AUGUST 12 - NOVEMBER 7 WILL BE DISMISSED FROM THE TEAM. 

 All American Nico Composto visited Northside the night before the Mustangs Time Trial, and addressed a capacity filled cafeteria at the first Northside Parents / Athletes Pasta Party of the season on Friday night. Composto was an outstanding motivational speaker, and talked about the mental side of the sport as well as training and racing. Northside responded with their best Time Trial in TEAM history.

 On Saturday, August 15, 2015, the Northside Cross Country TEAM competed in a 3200m Time Trial at River Park Track to determine three training groups, the Varsity Top 7 athletes, Sophomore-Freshman Top 7 athletes, and the Junior Varsity Team in preparation for the Yorkville Invitational. ALL athletes will race 3.0 Miles at the Yorkville Invitational.

 The battle for the Top 7 Varsity spots was the most exciting in Team history.

 A year ago (2014), only one athlete broke 10:28 for 3200m at the Northside Team Time Trial at River Park Track.

 Prior to Saturday, Northside has only had ONE season in which more than two guys ran faster than 10:28 at an August Time Trial at River Park Track. This includes the 2011 IHSA State Qualifying Team, 2009 Varsity City Championship Team, and the 2008 IHSA Regional Championship Team.

 On Saturday, August 15, 2015, THREE guys ran faster than the benchmark time of 10:28 at the Time Trial at River Park Track.

 Northside Captain Danny Rosen ran the first mile in 4:55, and then ran the final mile in a NEGATIVE split of 4:44 to WIN the Time Trial with a PERSONAL BEST time of 9:39. Danny Rosen broke the Time Trial record (9:59) by 20 seconds with a 9:39! Senior Danny Rosen also DROPPED 49 SECONDS (10:28) from his 2014 August Time Trial! Danny Rosen will be awarded a Watermelon for breaking the Northside Cross Country Time Trial record! Danny Rosen has worked very hard this summer, running 35 - 46 miles a week. Rosen attended the Mustangs Summer training camp in June and July, and would often go to a summer job right after his morning run. He also attended the Princeton running camp in New Jersey the week before August practices started. Rosen will break the 500 miles barrier this summer.

 Northside Junior Kyle Friedler finished in second place with a PERSONAL BEST time of 10:06. Kyle Friedler ran the first mile in 5:02, and then ran the final mile in 5:04 for a personal best time of 10:06. Junior Kyle Friedler DROPPED ONE MINUTE (11:06) from his 2014 August Time Trial! Kyle Friedler has worked hard this summer, running 40 - 60 miles a week. In addition to running, Friedler did an outstanding job with strength training. Kyle Friedler trained primarly in Michigan while working at a summer job. Friedler will smash the 500 miles barrier this summer.

 Northside Junior Alex Ortiz finished in third place with an outstanding time of 10:25. Alex Ortiz ran the first mile in 5:09, and then ran the final mile in 5:16 for an official time of 10:25. Alex Ortiz DROPPED 40 SECONDS (11:05) from his 2014 August Time Trial! Alex Ortiz has worked hard this summer, running 40 - 46 miles a week. Alex Ortiz is also the Northside school record holder for Pull-ups with 44. He attended the Mustangs Summer training camp in June and July, and ran incredible nine miles runs to James Park in Evanston, and also ran very impressive Tempo runs on the Track. He has worked hard while making the adjustment to morning practices while working a summer job. He is one of the last athletes to leave the Northside weight room every day. Alex Ortiz will smash the 500 miles barrier this summer. 

 On Saturday, August 15, 2015, the Northside Cross Country Team will have a 2.0 Miles Time Trial at River Park Track at 7:30 am to determine the VARSITY roster for the Yorkville Invitational.

 "Making VARSITY - it's every runner's goal. On the high school cross country team, it's like making the Olympics. Varsity is the pinnacle. You join a select group that trains together, shares tough workouts and takes the line like a family in big meets to carry the banner for your school." -Marc Bloom 

 After an impressive three months of training in May, June, and July, both the Men's and Women's squads are STRONG. It will be a highly competive Time Trial.

 Athletes will meet at Northside at 7:30 am, and check-in with the coaching staff, before going to River Park Track. 

 The Time Trial will determine the Mustangs respective Varsity, Junior Varsity, Sophomore-Freshman rosters for the Yorkville Invitational. Only the top 7 athletes on the team, run Varsity, and only the Top 7 Sophomores and Freshman run on the Sophomore squad. Everyone else that makes the TEAM runs on Northside's Championship Junior Varsity Team.

 Uniforms will be distributed to the initial Northside Top 7 after the Time Trial.

 Uniforms will be distributed to members of the Top 12 on August 22. 

 Uniforms will be distributed to the Northside "Emerging" Top 12 (runners #13-24) on August 22.

 Uniforms will be distributed to Northside "Developing" Top 12 (runners #25-100) on August 22.

  In addition to VARSITY uniforms, the Top 7 athletes on the Team get a Deluxe Top 12 bag that contains a warm-up Jacket, AND warm-up pants.

 Prior to 2008, the Mustangs never had warm-up Jackets, pants, or Top 12 bags. After each successive meet, warm-up Jackets, pants, and Top 12 bags, will be distributed to the Top 8, then Top 9, then Top 10, then Top 11, and then Top 12. The winners of the warm-up Jackets will try to defend them in all meets and challenges throughout the whole season. If an athlete misses a meet, or falls out of the Northside Top 12, the athlete loses their warm-up Jacket, pants, and Varsity uniform. A final determination of the Top 12 will be made prior to the start of the IHSA State series.

 The Yorkville Invitational will take place on Monday, August 24, 2015 in Yorkville, Illinois at the Hoover Forest Preserve (11285 W. Fox Road, Yorkville, IL 60560). Buses will leave Northside on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 2:00 PM for the Yorkville Invitational.

 The Varsity Men and Varsity Women will race 3.0 miles. The Junior Varsity Girls will race 3.0 miles. The Sophomore-Freshman Boys will race 3.0 miles.

 Race Schedule for the Yorkville Invitational:  

 4:00 PM Course Tour

 4:15 PM Coaches Meeting at the Starting Line 

 4:30 PM Junior Varsity Girls race

 5:00 PM Sophomore-Freshman Boys race 

 5:30 PM Varsity Women - Top 7 runners

 6:00 PM Varsity Men - Top 7 runners

Teams: Chicago Northside College Prep, Downers Grove South, Lisle, Oswego East, Plainfield South, Rosary, West Aurora, Wheaton North, and Yorkville (Defending State Champions).

 On Sunday, August 23, 2015, from Noon - 2pm, Universal Sole will host a pizza party for the Northside Cross Country TEAM and Parents. Universal Sole is located at 3052 N. Lincoln in Chicago, Illinois 60657 and specializes in running shoes.

 Universal Sole provides the lastest Running Shoes, Spikes, and Apparel to help Northside get ready for the cross country season! Universal Sole will also provide some goodies from their vendors as well to distribute to athletes as gifts with their purchase.

 Universal Sole was purchased in 2009 by former Indiana University Track Star, Joel Feinberg, who was also a former High School teammate of Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Glenbrook North High School in 1989-1990. Universal Sole will provide a 15% discount to Northside athletes.

 On Monday, June 22, 2015, at 10:00 am, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon, and Assistant Coach Patrick O'Connor, and the Northside Top 7 (Senior Madison Weatherly, Senior Elizabeth O'Conor, Freshman Sara McCoy, Junior Violet Sackett, Senior Caroline Owens, Sophomore Anna Pasek, and Sophomore Fiona Casey) traveled to the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, Illinois for the Chicago Public Schools Lunch of Champions!!!

 Upon arrival, the Northside Mustangs were treated to fruit punch, and appetizers from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm.

 Amazing Ice sculptures were featured at the entrance of the Crystal Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency.

  At 12:00 pm, the 2014 Chicago Public League Cross Country Champions were seated in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The Mustangs tables were in the center of the room, directly in front of the CPS Sports Administration. 

 The Mustangs were served a full course gourmet meal, and were honored with a spectacular video presentation.

 The gourmet meal included: Seasonal Fruit served with Honey Yogurt Dressing, Chicken with Demi-Glaze, Whole Stye Corn with Red Pepper, Potatoes, Chocolate Cake with Berries, and Vanilla Ice Cream.

 Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Board of Education President David J. Vitale both provided the Mustangs with letters congratulating them on their fine season.

 Olympian and Bronze Medalist Aja Evans (Former Morgan Park High School Track and Field Athlete) gave a motivational speech, and praised the athletes for their hard work, and for winning the City Championships.

 Former Chicago Bear Ray McElroy also praised the athletes for winning the City Championships.

 Kenny McReynolds, the host of CPS Sports Edition, announced that Northside Captains Madison Weathelry (5.12), Elizabeth O'Conor (5.08), and Caroline Owens (4.94) were among the highest GPAs out of 35,000 Chicago Public Schools student-athletes. Madison Weatherly will be attending Dartmouth next year. Elizabeth O'Conor will be attending Northwestern next year. Caroline Owens will be attending the University of Michigan next year. Numerous members of the Northside Cross Country Team were featured in the program for their academic achievements.

 One of the highlights of the afternoon, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon was called up to the podium to receive a signed copy of a Resolution from CPS Regional Athletic Director, Joel Bullock, adopted by the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, Illinois, which stated,

 "WHEREAS, Northside College Prep High School culminated the 2014 cross country season by winning the Chicago Public Schools Girls Cross Country Championship on October 18, 2014, at Washington Park; and,

 WHEREAS, the members of the girls cross country team worked together as a cohesive unit and demonstrated excellence, tenacity, dedication and superior prowess; and,

 WHEREAS, the superb performance of the team members reflects the excellent training and support received from the Principal, Kelly Mest; Head Coach, Jon Gordon; Assistant Coach, Patrick O'Connor, Athletic Director, Andrew Mayer; and,

 WHEREAS, the poise and good sportsmanship of the members of the team throughout the season earned the admiration of all and reflect positively upon the school, community and Chicago Public Schools.

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board President and Members of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 22nd day of June 2015, do hereby commend the Northside College Prep Mustangs for the memorable achievement of winning the Public League's 2014 championship."

 The Northside Varsity Top 7 Athletes were then presented with a Certificate in recognition of Northside College Prep WINNING the 2015 Chicago Public League Girls Cross Country Championships.

 The experience for the athletes and coaches was priceless. A special thanks to Thomas Trotter, the Director of the Department of Sports Administration, and Joel Bullock, the CPS Coordinator of Cross Country, for hosting an outstanding event.

Practice Before School Starts

There will be a minimum of 19 practices and 3 Meets held before the first day of school (Tuesday, September 8, 2015). These practices are NOT considered optional, and this time is not referred to as pre-season. 

Our expectation is that everyone will be there on the first day (Wednesday, August 12th at 6:30 am, in front of the main entrance of Northside College Prep). Athletes that miss more than 9 practices from August 12, 2015 through November 7, 2015 are dismissed from the TEAM regardless of the reason. 

Summer Jobs: Athletes are not permitted to miss practice to work a summer job once the season starts on August 12th. That doesn’t mean that they cannot continue with summer employment past this date, it just means that they need to communicate with their employer and work out a modified schedule. August practices are from 6:30 am until 8:30 a.m. each morning. We have found that most employers are flexible with an athlete’s work schedule provided that the cross country commitment is communicated to them well in advance of the first day of practice. 

Summer Camps: Our expectation is that all upper-class athletes (grades 10 – 12) will be home from summer camp by August 12th. In a situation when this is not possible, the athlete needs to communicate with the coaching staff before the end of the 2014-2015 school year. No sophomore, junior, or senior athlete should expect to join the team after this date. 

Family Vacations: We understand that family trips are tough to schedule and that there are a limited amount of days to squeeze in this valuable time. We hope that this can be accomplished prior to August 12th, but we know that a few unique situations may come up. If they do,communication with the coaching staff prior to the end of the school year is critical. No sophomore, junior, or senior athlete should expect to join the team after this date.

*** IMPORTANT *** 

There is so much that is packed into the first two weeks of practice that we believe it is beneficial for the TEAM and the athlete to attend during this time. Parents sometimes feel that an athlete can “train on their own” during this time period and achieve the same experience. We don’t believe that is possible. 

The foundation for a safe and successful season is established during this time. Team building activities take place during this period. Setting expectations for attitude, practice time and competition are discussed and emphasized every day from the first TEAM meeting. 

Establishing proper running form via drills and strength work begin on the first day, and there is obviously more time to work on technique prior to school starting than once school begins. Many of these drills are not repeated later. Every practice prepares the athlete for the NEXT practice. Attending practices out of sequence causes injuries. It is vital to the success of the TEAM, that athletes are prepared to commence their training on August 12. 

Building up running volume and intensity gradually over the first three weeks prior to competition allows an athlete to be more successful at the end of the season and avoid injury. We have found that athletes that come out late are much more likely to sustain an injury during the season than those who show up relatively fit on the first day. Remember, once school starts, only 8 weeks remain before the season is over for most of our athletes.

Northside has THREE meets prior to the first day of school: August 24 (Yorkville Invitational), September 2 (St. Patrick Invitational), and September 5 (Rebel Invitational in Kenosha, Wisconsin)

Practice After School Starts

Clubs/Jobs/Music Lessons/Other Sports/Tutors: Athletes are not allowed to miss practice for any of these situations. Other than competing in a second sport, we do not discourage a student from partaking in any of the above; rather our expectation is that they will make arrangements to ensure that these events do not conflict with attending practice. Any absences of this nature will be considered unexcused. Athletics need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night to recover from a full day of academics and a cross country practice. 

Missing Meets: Our expectation is that our athletes will compete in every meet and hopefully look forward to and enjoy these competitions. Our sport is unique in that each athlete gets to compete in most meets and measure their progress against times from prior competitions. We consider missing a meet a big deal, and any circumstances that would lead to this situation should be communicated to the coaching staff well in advance of the competition. The foundation of our team and ultimately our success is based on friendship and support for one another, but this is not a running club and competing in meets is a requirement for all athletes. 

Number of Absences Allowed: We expect our athletes to be at practice every day. That being said, if an athlete is absent from more than 9 practices for ANY reason, the athlete is dismissed from the Team.

What is the IHSA mandatory start date for High Schools

to participate in the sport of Cross Country in Future seasons?

 The Illinois High School Athletic association has set the following dates for the next four years for the start of mandatory practices for Cross Country: 

2015:                     August 12

2016:                     August 10

2017:                     August 9

2018:                     August 8  

The Northside College Prep Cross Country Website has been named a "Spotlight" site by its host company eteamz.com. It has been rated as one of the top sites out of over 1,000,000 sites.

Congratulations to Northside College Prep for earning America's Best High Schools top ranked honor, 1st in the state of Illinois!