As FCPS’s first middle school sports got started, RCMS’s cross-country team took part in its first scheduled meet out of school on Sept. 30.

This is the first time sports are being offered after school for middle-school students in FCPS.

The athletes were picked up for the Sept. 30 meet by buses at Rachel Carson Middle School after being dropped by their parents. Then, they ran miles from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. throughout the morning. Some students’ parents joined to cheer them on.

Signups for cross country are closed and practices began Sept. 13. Participants meet twice a week after school with coaches Mr. Mark Bolt, Mr. Roger Tiangco, and Ms. Olivia Adams

Cross Country continues throughout the fall with meets on meets are on Oct. 14, 21, and 28. It will be followed by track in the spring.

Cross country focuses on how far you can run, not the speed. On the other hand, track focuses on speed and also on jumps, hurdles and throws.

FCPS is planning on adding more sports in the coming year.