SPIRE Academy Expands Athletic Offerings with New Cross Country Program

SPIRE Academy Introduces Cross Country Program

Located in Geneva, Ohio, SPIRE Academy is making headlines with the launch of its brand new cross country program. As an elite sports academy, SPIRE is already known for its extensive track-and-field initiatives, and this latest addition is set to elevate the academy's athletic offerings even further. With the appointment of seasoned coach Michael Larkin, SPIRE is ready to compete in Ohio's vibrant cross country landscape.

The Vision Behind the Program

The desire to create a cross country program has been on the minds of the SPIRE Academy leadership for quite some time. Tim Mack, the Director of Track & Field at SPIRE, expressed enthusiasm about finally bringing this vision to fruition. “We’ve wanted to do a cross country program for a long time. But until recently, the planets had never quite aligned,” said Mack. Now, with ample land available for a dedicated running course, the opportunity has finally presented itself. With Michael Larkin at the helm, the future of cross country at SPIRE looks promising.

The Ideal Course For Running

SPIRE Academy’s campus, once serving as farmland, presents the perfect setting for cross country trails. Farm roads intended for tractors have been repurposed into ideal pathways for runners, allowing for a robust training environment. Moreover, the academy boasts a significant number of middle-distance runners from its current athletic programs, facilitating a seamless transition for these athletes into the new cross country initiative.

Meet Coach Michael Larkin

Michael Larkin brings a wealth of experience to SPIRE Academy, having previously excelled as both a high school cross country runner and college hurdler. His coaching tenure includes notable positions such as a volunteer at the College of William & Mary, and later, as Head Coach at Notre Dame College in Cleveland. His diverse background enriches the coaching landscape at SPIRE, particularly as he focuses on developing the cross country program.

“Michael has been a game-changer,” Mack stated. “With his background and experience, he can fill any need, but right now he’s filling the cross country need. Having a coach dedicated to a single event sends a strong message to the competitive community that SPIRE aims to be a contender.”

Goals and Aspirations

The initial goal for the SPIRE Cross Country program is to establish competition-ready teams for both men and women, targeting six runners per squad. Aspirations include rapidly expanding to the creation of two teams for each gender, backed by the strong infrastructure that SPIRE Academy is famous for. As Mack reflects on the potential, he noted, “I think SPIRE Cross Country is going to explode when people start to realize we have a dedicated coach, a world-class course, and the resources you need to build well-rounded student athletes right here, entirely on-campus.”

One significant advantage of cross country is the scalability of the program. With a single coach capable of guiding multiple runners, it allows for efficient growth. “That’s good, because I think we’re going to be scaling up sooner than later,” Mack added optimistically.

About SPIRE Academy

SPIRE Academy is not just a sports school; it’s a comprehensive institution focusing on academic, athletic, and personal skill development. Covering 750 acres and housing over 850,000 square feet of facilities, SPIRE offers an international boarding school experience catering to grades 9-12 and post-grads. In addition to athletics, SPIRE Academy has a robust academic curriculum and various extracurricular opportunities designed to prepare students for college and careers.

In conclusion, with the launch of its new cross country program, SPIRE Academy aims not only to attract skilled student athletes but also to create a competitive environment that promotes teamwork and athleticism. The excitement surrounding the new program illustrates the academy’s commitment to developing well-rounded athletes in a supportive and resource-rich environment.