2024 Cross Country Season
The cross country season will start Thursday August 31st with the first practice and Parent’s Information Meeting at 5:30pm at Sanlando Park (410 Highland St Altamonte 32714). Other practice locations are Merrill Park and Forest City Elementary, both in Altamonte Springs. We practice 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday (and a few Saturdays) picking up the high school students at the end of their season to attend national competition with the Gliders.
We have beginner runners as well as experienced ones and new members can try out a couple of practices to see if they like it before payment is required, but must register first. The cost for new athletes is $270 and a uniform is $32. We encourage you to read all the information, especially the
Parent Handbook, the schedule and the FAQ’s which answer most questions. If you have any other questions, please email us at info@cfgliders.com
We look forward to seeing you this season.
To register for cross country, simply fill out the online form and pay online, by mail or by check at the next scheduled practice.
https://www.cfgliders.com/online-registration/
Central Florida Gliders Track Club
PO Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
www.cfgliders.com
GLIDERS ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY MEET
FLYRA XC Meet Flyer October 2023
Gliders Cross Country Schedule
2023 XC Season - 2023 Schedule
2023 CROSS COUNTRY SEASON RESULTS
NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: December 2, 2023
Central Florida Gliders Bring Home medals from the Cross-Country Championships
Altamonte Springs, FL – Seven runners from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team competed at the 2023 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross-Country Championships held at the Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, one of the best cross-country courses in the country. The club previously competed on this course in 2020. “The meet was almost cancelled as the weather was real bad in the morning and it rained all day creating a lot of mud which made the course very difficult.” said Craig Wise, Head coach and Executive Director.
Two Gliders (2) in their first national race, were awarded medals by finishing in the top 25 of their age group races. Kiley Wise was the top finisher for the Gliders, finishing 13th in the 6 and under division 1k race. while her cousin Amaya Henry finished 23rd in the same race.
Other Gliders running in Tallahassee were Capri Caldwell and Aaliyah Solon competing in their first cross country nationals in the 10-year-old girls 3k race. Also competing in the 3k race was Courtney McCarthy in the 11-year-old girls division and Amare Henry in the Boys 11-year-old age division and Noah Wise an 8-year-old in the 3k race. Meghan McCarthy and Elin Anderson competed in the 4k girls combined 13-14 girls age division.
Many thanks go to all our sponsors and donors who helped to make this trip possible. Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at: live.pttiming.com or aausport.org
Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross-country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club serving the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years.
The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting an active, healthy lifestyle, and emphasizing community service as well as academic responsibility. More information about the Gliders’ programs, history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com
Central Florida Gliders
Contact: info@cfgliders.com
2023 Cross Country Season Summary
The cross-country season started in September with our registration meeting and first practice. Later in the month, we had a fun practice at New Smyrna Beach with pizza afterwards. Other practices were at Sanlando Park, Merrill Park, Forest City Elementary
and Martin L King Park in Winter Park.
In October, one of the first races of the season was the qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. Later in the month, the Gliders hosted their annual cross country meet at Forest City Elementary for the second year in a row instead of Sanlando Park where we have had the race for years. This year it was an invitational sanctioned by USATF again rather than AAU and was a qualifier for the Middle School Championships.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships. One Glider ran in the high school cross-country state championships in their freshman year!
The first week of December, seven Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross-Country Championships which this year was back in Tallahassee at Apalachee Regional Park where the Gliders competed in 2020. Two (2) Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.
While in Tallahassee the team visited the Dan Foss Compressor company, one of the fastest growing industrial companies in the country. The kids were exposed to the latest technology for climate control around the world. The club also visited the Domi Station, an entrepreneurial incubator, where the kids learned how incubators help newly formed businesses with operating space and advice. The Gliders had an Olive Garden catered pre-race dinner at the hotel and Carrabba’s catered our party after the races.
The club bought Thanksgiving dinner for a local family and shopped for presents food, and necessities to support two local families during the Christmas holiday. The club also donated to a program that gives necessities to the homeless on the street as well as donated to several food banks.
Sincere thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Benevity, Help Kids Play Sports, Publix, Charles Swabb, Carrabba’s as well as several individual and alumni donors for supporting our cross-country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
Contact: info@cfgliders.com
Coaches: Steve McCarthy, Kamal Wise, Neamen Wise, Craig Wise
2022 CROSS COUNTRY SEASON RESULTS
2022 XC Summary 120822_updated
PR 2022 knoxville AAU XC Nationals
Central Florida Gliders Annual Cross Country Meet results
Gunlaprunning.com
2023 Cross Country Schedule
https://www.cfgliders.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-XC-Season-2023-Schedule.pdf
2002 XC Season Recap
One of the first races of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships.
The Gliders had a couple of fun practices at New Smyrna Beach and at M.L. King Park in Winter Park. As last year, we did not have the usual Halloween party, but did give our runners some Halloween goodies after practice. Also because of the pandemic all the fund-raisers were again virtual but were very successful in raising travel money to the national championships. Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships.
The regional Footlocker/East Bay race was attended by some of our athletes this year after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic. The first week of December, 15 Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross-Country Championships which this year was in Charlotte, NC at the McAlpine Creek Park course used by the regional Footlocker race course where two Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.
While in Charlotte, Friday morning the team visited the Windy Apple Orchard and Black’s Orchard. We then visited a unique animal museum in York County before going to straight to McAlpine for warm-up and course review. Later in the day, the Olive Garden catered our team pasta dinner on Friday at the hotel. On Saturday after the races, we had the Saturday afternoon party catered by Publix and then the team went downtown to view Charlotte’s downtown Christmas decorations.
The club was successful in raising donations for a relief fund to help the children of Haiti and also shopped for presents and necessities to support two local families during the Christmas holiday. The year-end party was at Congo River Golf.
Sincere thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Publix as well as several other individual alumni donors for supporting our cross-country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
Gliders Medal at AAU Cross Country Nationals
NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: December 7, 2021
Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross-Country Championships, Bring Home Medals!
Altamonte Springs, FL – Sixteen athletes (16) from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined other national competitors at the 2021 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championships held at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte, NC. “The weather was ideal with sunny skies and mild temperatures which was perfect for our Florida athletes to set a number of personal records,” said Craig Wise, founder, and Executive Director.
Two Gliders (2) were awarded medals finishing in the top 15 of their age group races. Layla Fuller was the highest finisher for our girls’ group, taking 9th place in the 13-year-old girls 4k age division and Angelica Wolfe taking 14th place in the 10-year-old girls 3K division. Amare Henry was the highest finisher for our boys’ group, taking 34th place in the 9-year-old 3K age division and Noah Cohen taking 39th place in the 8-year-old 2K age division.
Other Glider athletes competing at the AAU Nationals in Tallahassee included girls Courtney McCarthy, Savannah Heilman, Nadia Cohen, Makaila Fuller, Megan McCarthy, Angelica Wolfe, Natalia Sanchez, Madeline Hanus and boys Jayden Fuller, William Heilman, Jasari Henry, Connor McCarthy and Amari Pierre.
Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at: https://results.adkinstrak.com/meets/11845
Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross-country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club serving the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and emphasizing community service. More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com
Contact: info@cfgliders.com: Coaches Rose Rodriguez, Steve McCarthy, Neamen Wise, Craig Wise
Protocols for Cross Country
To keep everyone safe from the virus, these guidelines will be strictly followed:
Every parent or guardian will sign a waiver of liability relating to the Covid virus. Upon arrival at each practice, the athlete’s temperature will be taken and will be asked questions pertaining to the virus before signing in.
CENTRAL FLORIDA GLIDERS Covid questionaire
Waiver of Liability document and Agreement
In August, prior to the first practice, athletes should practice on their own on a soft surface:
Week 1 at least a 20 minutes run 3 times per week, then stretches
Week 2 warm-up procedure, at least a 25 minute steady run 4 times per week, then stretches
Week 3/4 After the Glider warm-up procedure, at least a 30 minute steady run 2 times per week + a 30m Glider fartlek 2 times per week+3x 30m sprints, then stretches.
AMAZON DONATES TO THE GLIDERS!
Almost everyone now shops on Amazon so please designate the Gliders as your charity choice. So every time you shop there, a small donation will be made to our club and it will not cost you anything.
Your shopping makes a difference as it allows the club to purchase special items for the team. So please use the link below to designate the Gliders as your charity at: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-3157281.
Stay safe. If questions, contact us at: info@cfgliders.com.
Central Florida Gliders Track Club
PO Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
www.cfgliders.com
2020 Cross Country Season Summary
While we were not able to have the track season because of the spread of the covid virus, the cross country season started in September with our registration meeting and first practice as well as a number of covid protocols. One of the first races of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. This year because of the covid, the club did not host its annual cross country meet. The Gliders had a couple of fun practices at New Smyrna Beach which turned into a rain storm and the wooden playground at M.L. King Park in Winter Park. This year, we did not have the usual Halloween party, bur did give our runners some Halloween goodies after practice. Also because of the virus all the fund-raisers were virtual, but were successful to raise travel money.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships while several high school Gliders competed in the district and regional championships. The regional Footlocker race was cancelled this season for the first time due to the virus..
The first week of December, 18 Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee on the fast, beautiful Applachee Regional Park course where four Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups.
Again because of the covid, our activities at the national race were reduced as there was no usual Thursday team dinner. Because of anticipated rain and the covid, we did not visit any historical sites or business on Friday, but went straight to the course for the warm-up and had the afternoon free. Later in the day, the Olive Garden catered out team pasta dinner on Friday at the hotel. After the races, instead of the usual team party at the hotel and the usual Saturday night outing, the team immediately left Tallahassee for home. The next day we combined the nationals party with the year-end party and had a great event at FCE catered by Publix
While this year, we were not able to shop together for presents and necessities for food, clothes and presents for several financially distressed families in the area. However, the team donated for both Thanksgiving and Christmas for the families. Many thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Publix as well as several other individual alumni donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
NEWS RELEASE For immediate release: December 7, 2020
Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross-Country Championships, Bring Home Medals!
Altamonte Springs, FL – Eighteen athletes (18) from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined other national competitors at the 2020 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National
Cross Country Championships held at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, FL. “This course was pristine, and the weather was great; so many of our runners had personal records,” said Coach and Executive Director Craig Wise.
Four Gliders (4) were awarded medals finishing in the top 25 of their age group races. Layla Fuller was the highest finisher for our girls’ group, taking 15th place in the 12-year-old girls 3k age division and Courtney McCarthy taking 22nd place in the 8-year-old girls 2K division. Noah Cohen was the highest finisher for our boys’ group, taking 14th in the 7-year-old 2K age division and Amare Henry taking 21st place in the 8-year-old 2K age division.
Other Glider athletes competing at the AAU Nationals in Tallahassee included girls Kayla McCarthy, Savannah Heilman, Nadia Cohen, Makaila Fuller, Megan McCarthy, Sally Ragas, Angelica Wolfe, and boys Jayden Fuller, William Heilman, Jasari Henry, Connor McCarthy, Daron Simmons, Qamari Simmons and Pheonix Taylor.
Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at: https://results.adkinstrak.com/meets/6486
Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross-country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and emphasizing community service. More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.
# # #
Contact: info@cfgliders.com:
Coaches Rose Cohen, Ryan King, Steve McCarthy, Neamen Wise, Craig Wise
Central Florida Gliders
P.O. Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
For immediate release: December 8, 2019
Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross Country Championships, Bring Home Medals and a Silver Medal!
Altamonte Springs, FL – Twenty-three athletes (23) from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined other national competitors at the 2019 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championships held in Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, TN. The Gliders ran on the same course last year in Knoxville and it was the muddiest course we have ever competed on. “This year the course was pristine and the weather was great; so many of our runners had personal records,” said Coach and Executive Director Craig Wise.
Seven Gliders (7) were awarded medals finishing in the top 25 of their age group race and four obtained All-American Status by finishing in the top eight in their respective age divisions. Layla Fuller was the highest finisher for the Gliders, winning the second place Silver medal in the 11-year old girls 3k age division while Arianna Jimenez finished third and won the Bronze Medal in the girls 5k 17-18 age division; Angelica Wolfe finished fourth in the 8 year old girl’s 2k age group and Noah Cohen finished fourth in the 6 & under boys age division. Also medaling was Amare Henry who finished 11th in the boys 7 year 2k old age division while Nadia Cohen and Megan Mccarthy finished 20th and 23rd respectively in the girls 9 year 3k old age division. Other Glider athletes competing at the AAU Nationals in Knoxville included girls Willow Benjamin, Abigail Cupo, Makaila Fuller, Savannah Heilman, Courtney Mccarthy, Claire Reburn and boys Grant Barber, William Benjamin, Jayden Fuller, William Heilman, Jasari Henry, Braden King, Connor Mccarthy, Jackson Reburn, Kaiden Reigler and William Shortal.
Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at http://adkinstrak.com
Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than thirty (30) years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and emphasizing community service. More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.
# # #
Contact: info@cfgliders.com:
Coaches Rose Cohen, Winston Hobson, Ryan King, Steve McCarthy, Neamen Wise, Craig Wise
Central Florida Gliders
P.O. Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
2019 Cross Country Season Summary
The Cross Country season started with our registration meeting and first practice on September 3rd at Sanlando Park. The first race of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. In the middle of October, the Gliders again hosted its annual cross country meet which was the AAU District championship and national qualifier. It was beautiful weather and the race was also a qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School Meet. Additionally, the Gliders had a couple of fun practices at New Smyrna Beach and the wooden playground at M.L. King Park in Winter Park where we also visited the Winter Park Market. We also had big fun at the annual Halloween party at Sanlando and at several of the team fund-raisers to raise travel money.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships winning one championship. In mid-November, several Gliders competed in the high school state championships in Tallahassee. At the end of November, several Gliders competed at the regional Footlocker championships in Charlotte and a Glider won first place in the age group competition.
In December, 23 Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships in Knoxville on the same course as last year, but was not muddy this time. Seven Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups and four attained All-American status by finishing in the top 8 places in their age group. While in Knoxville, the Gliders visited Local Motors, one of the leading 3D printing/manufacturing companies in the country. He Gliders learned a lot about 3D modeling and printing as well as careers and internships in the industry. On Thursday the team had the traditional dinner at Red Lobster and on Friday, instead of going to the restaurant, Olive Garden catered dinner at our hotel. After the races, the club had a great catered party at the hotel swimming and playing video games. The Gliders finished the cross country season with shopping for food, clothes and presents for several financially distressed families in the area. This year the club had the year-end party at Wonder Works playing laser tag, climbing ropes and interactive games. Many thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Help Kids Play Sports Foundation and Publix as well as many other individual donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
2020 CROSS COUNTRY
The 2020 cross country season will begin September 1st with the first practice and the registration/information meeting at Sanlando Park. The Gliders will be fielding teams as well as individuals for the 2020 AAU cross country championships in Tallahassee in December.
Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and some Saturdays primarily at Sanlando Park from 6:00-7:30. Other practice locations are Merrill Park and Forest City Elementary, both in Altamonte Springs.To register for our upcoming cross country, simply fill out the online registration form and pay online, by mail or by check at the next scheduled practice. If questions, contact us at: info@cfgliders.com.
Central Florida Gliders Track Club
PO Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
**MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
2019 Gliders Cross Country Schedule
2018 Cross Country Season Recap
The Cross Country season started with our registration meeting and first practice on September 4th at Sanlando Park. The first race of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. In the middle of October, the Gliders again hosted its annual cross country meet which was the AAU District championship and national qualifier. It was beautiful weather and the race was also a qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School State. Additionally, the Gliders had a couple of fun practices at New Smyrna Beach and the wooden playground at M.L. King Park in Winter Park where we also visited the Winter Park Market. We also had big fun at the annual Halloween party at Sanlando after practice.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships winning one championship in the elementary race. In mid-November, several Gliders competed in the high school state championships in Tallahassee. Later in the month, the Gliders shopped and delivered food for Thanksgiving as well as staples to two families. At the end of November, several Gliders competed at the regional Footlocker championships in Charlotte and a Glider won first place in the age group competition.
In December, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships in Knoxville on a very muddy course that challenged all the athletes. Eight Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 of their respective age groups and one Glider won an individual national title, while four earned All-American by finishing in the top eight of their age division. While in Knoxville, the Gliders toured the Cirrus Aircraft Company and learned about manufacturing an airplane including the pilot training and the final delivery. After the races, the club had a great party and the team toured downtown Knoxville and its Christmas decorations.
The Gliders finished the cross country season with the year-end party at Congo River and then shopped for presents to help some families sponsored for the holidays. With the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide food, presents and support for seven children from three families during the holidays. Many thanks to the Track Shack Foundation, Verizon, Duke Energy and many other individual donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: December 2, 2018
Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross Country Championships, Bring Home Medals and a National Championship!
Altamonte Springs, FL – Twenty-four athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined other national competitors at the 2018 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championships held in Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, TN. “It was the muddiest course we have ever competed on with many runners falling down, including some of the Gliders,” said Coach and Executive Director Craig Wise.
Eight Gliders were awarded medal by finishing in the top 25 of their age group race and four obtained All-American Status by finishing in the top eight in their respective age divisions. Layla Fuller was the highest finisher for the Gliders, winning the first place Gold medal in the 10-year old age division while Makayla Claudio finished third in the 9-year old age group. Nadia Cohen finished 4th in the girl’s 8-year old age division while Noelle Vu was also on the podium for the top eight finishers finishing 8th in the
12-year old girl’s age division. Courtney McCarthy and Bella Vu earned medals by finishing 14th and 18th respectively in the 6 & under girl’s age division while Noah Cohen earned an 11th place medal in the 6 & under boy’s age division. Braden King earned a medal finishing 20th in the 7-year old boys age division. Other Glider athletes competing at the AAU Nationals in Knoxville include girls Makaila Fuller, Megan McCarthy, Rediat Eshleman, Savannah Heilman, Madalyn King, Maria Tejada, Abigail Cupo, Sydney Donnelly, Kayla McCarthy, and boys William Heilman, Connor McCarthy, Grant Barber, Marcus Jayden Fuller, Corey Johnson, Jalen Blake and Landon Pierce. Complete results for the AAU national races can be found at http://adkinstrak.com/AAUXC/
Coach Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross country championships since 1990. A long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 29 years. The club is operated by volunteer coaches and administrators producing individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service. More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com.
Contact: info@cfgliders.com:
Coaches Ryan King, Steve McCarthy, Chung Vu, Craig Wise
Central Florida Gliders
P.O. Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
*2018 Gliders Cross Country Schedule*
2017 Central Florida Gliders Annual Cross Country Meet
Results: http://www.gunlaprunning.com/2017Results.html
The 2018 cross country season will begin Tuesday, September 4th with the first practice and registration/ information meeting at Sanlando Park at 6pm. All are invited as the Gliders will be fielding teams as well as individuals for the 2018 the AAU cross country championships in Knoxville and the USATF Youth cross country championships in Reno, both in December .
Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and some Saturdays primarily at Sanlando Park from 6:00-7:30 . To join the Gliders, simply fill out the online registration form and pay online or by check at the next scheduled practice or by mail. Please read the Parent /AthleteInformation Sheet below. You can contact us at info@cfgliders.com.
Central Florida Gliders Track Club
PO Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
2017 Cross Country Season Summary
The Cross Country season and the fall track conditioning program started with the registration meeting and first practice on September 5th at Sanlando Park. It is the second year for the fall conditioning program for the sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers.
The first race of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Middle School State Championships the end of October. In the middle of October, the Gliders again hosted its annual cross country meet. The race was the qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School State and it was beautiful weather.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships and in the elementary race. In mid-November, several Gliders competed the high school state championships in Tallahassee. The next week the team competed in the AAU district meet in Lakeland and qualified for the national championships in December in Charlotte, NC. The following week sixteen Gliders competed and medaled in the USATF regional meet in Boca Raton qualifying for the USATF Cross Country Nationals in Tallahassee, on the same course as last year’s AAU nationals.
In December, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships in Charlotte, NC on the mostly flat, but challenging McAlpine Park course, home of the Footlocker Regional Championships where Coach Wise took many high school kids for years. This year 11 Gliders competed and won 4 medals by finishing in the top 25 finishers while our 11-12 girls team finished 6th. While in Charlotte, the Gliders again visited the Windy Apple Orchard, Black’s Orchard and the unique York County Museum. The team competed again the next weekend on the challenging Apalachee Park course in Tallahassee where the Florida high school and NCAA regional championships where held this year. It was the first time for Florida to host the USATF Jr. Olympic national cross country championships. While in Tallahassee, the Gliders visited the downtown Challenger Learning center and later zip-lined at the Tallahassee Museum and visited Cascades park downtown.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season with the year-end party at Congo River; enjoyed an eco-cruise on the St John’s river; and shopping for the needy families we sponsored for the holidays. With the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide over $2,600 in food, presents and support for 21 children from 9 families over the holiday.
Many thanks go to the Track Shack Foundation, Verizon and many other donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release: December 7, 2016
Central Florida Gliders Travel to National Cross Country Championship, Bring Home Medals
Altamonte Springs, FL – Twelve athletes from the Central Florida Gliders Cross Country team joined national competitors at the 2016 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Cross Country Championship held here for the first time in Florida on the beautiful Apalachee Regional Park course, made especially for cross country, where numerous cross country events have been held. “It’s been a fun season for our athletes and competing in a national championship here in our own state is a great way to end the season. It’s an opportunity to compete against other runners from across the nation,” said Head coach Craig Wise.
Several Gliders were awarded medals by finishing in the top 25 of their age group race. Glider, Maya Bordrato, was awarded an individual medal for finishing in 11th place in the 13-year-old girl’s age group in the 4000-meter race. A total of three Gliders medaled in the 9-10-year-old age division; Jolynn Rodriguez (13th), Amari Whetro (14th), and Madalyn Falk (24th). In the youngest age division, 6 & Under, Megan McCarthy took home a 5th place finish.
Our boys also had a strong showing with Anderson Rodriguez taking 7th place in the 7-year-old race and Connor McCarthy taking 24th in the 9-year-old race. Other Glider athletes competing at AAU Nationals include Madalyn King, Kayla McCarthy, Corey Johnson, Landon Pierce, and Daniel Osterndorf.
All twelve runners set season PRs at AAU Nationals. Complete results can be found at: http://www.adkinstrak.com/AAUXC/ or http://www.aauathletics.org/Results/AAUCrossCountryChampionshipsResults.aspx
The Central Florida Gliders Track Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the oldest youth running club servicing the Central Florida area for more than 25 years. The club has produced numerous individual and team national champions while promoting active, healthy lifestyles and community service with area youth. Coach Craig Wise founded the Central Florida Gliders in 1989, and the club has been attending national cross country championships since 1990. Now a long-standing member of both USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the Central Florida Gliders is run by volunteer coaches, assistants, and other volunteers.
More information about the Gliders’ history, accomplishments, events, and community outreach programs can be found at www.cfgliders.com. Central Florida Gliders contacts via info@cfgliders.com:
Central Florida Gliders
P.O. Box 161965
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716 (407) 682-1368
2016 Cross Country Season Summary
The Cross Country season started later this year in the middle of September with the registration meeting and first practice on September 12th at Sanlando Park. This year Coach Wise took over the cross country program and received help from long-time mentor Ted Benz and also Neamen Wise. Coach Tony started a fall conditioning program for the sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers that focused on sprint and jumping mechanics. The first race of the season was the FLYRA qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Middle School State Championships the end of October. In the middle of October, the Gliders returned to Sanlando Park from the Forest City course to host its annual cross country meet. The race was the qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School State and it was beautiful weather.
Several Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships and in the elementary race, a Glider won the gold medal. In mid-November, several Gliders competed and one Glider alumni won the gold medal in the 4A division of the high school state championships in Tallahassee. The next week the team competed in the AAU district meet in Ocala and qualified for the national championships in December.
The following week several Gliders competed and medaled in the USATF regional meet on the same course as the upcoming AAU nationals.
In December, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championship on the beautiful challenging course at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee where the Florida high school and NCAA regional championships where held this year. First time for any national cross country championships hosted in Florida. Of note the USATF national youth championships will be held there next year in Tallahassee.
This year 12 Gliders competed at the AAU Nationals and all ran PRs and won 5 medals by finishing in the top 25 finishers. While in Tallahassee, the Gliders visited the Mission St Luis museum and park. The Gliders finished up the cross country season with the year-end party at Congo River and Chuck E Cheese. The club continued its tradition of helping several needy families during the holidays. Through the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide food, presents and support for six families over the holiday.
Many thanks go to the Track Shack Foundation and many other donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
2015 Cross Country Season Summary
The Cross Country season kicked off with the registration meeting and first practice on September 1st at Sanlando Park. This year conditioning for the sprinters, hurdlers and jumpers was added this year. The first race of the season was the FLYRS qualifier at Holloway Park where several Gliders qualified for the Middle School State Championships the end of October. The Gliders competed again at theTrack Shack UCan Finish 2-Mile road race at UCF on October 17th with the Gliders winning several age divisions. On October 24th, the Gliders hosted its annual cross country meet on the campus of Forest City Elementary instead of the Seminole Softball Complex and Sanlando Park. The race was the qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School State Championship rather than the AAU District meet because the AAU National XC Championship no longer requires qualifiers. It was nice weather and a fair turn-out with the first appearance of the Mega-Glider mascot who took pictures with the team.
Over the next few weeks, the Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships with one Glider winning the gold medal. In mid-November, several Gliders competed and medaled in the high school state champion- ships in Tallahassee.
In December, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championship in Danville, AL, near Decatur where the Gliders competed in 2008 and won several medals. This year the Gliders fielded a 13-14 girls team which finished 8th while three Gliders medaled by finishing in the top 25 finishers. While in Decatur, the Gliders visited Daikin Chemical, the Decatur Entrepreneurial Center and the Jesse Owens museum. The following week the Gliders com- pleted the season competing in the Seminole County Middle School XC Championship where the Gliders earned several medals. The USATF Nationals in Albuquerque, NM turned out to be too financially and logistically cumbersome as it required an additional trip to South Carolina for the qualifier.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season in mid-December with a year-end skating party. The club continued its tradition of helping several needy families during the holidays. Through the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide over $3,000 in support to several needy families in 2015.
Many thanks go to the Track Shack Foundation, Lake Braqntley High School and many other donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
2014 Cross Country Season Summary
The Cross Country season kicked off with the registration meeting and first practice on September 2nd at Sanlando Park. The first race of the season was the Track Shack UCan Finish 2-Mile road race at UCF on October 19th with the Gliders winning several age divisions. On October 25th, the Gliders hosted its annual cross country meet for the 16th consecutive year at the Seminole Softball Complex and Sanlando Park. This year, the race was the qualifier for the FLYRA Middle School State Championship rather than the AAU District meet because the AAU National XC Championship no longer requires qualifiers.
Over the next few weeks, the Gliders performed well in the FLYRA Middle School State Championships and high school and college conference and district meets. In mid-November, several Gliders competed and medaled in the high school state championships in Tallahassee.
In December, for the first time in 20 years the Gliders elected not to attend either the USATF or AAU National XC Championship. The AAU championship in Lawrence, Kansas conflicted with the Seminole County Middle School XC Championship where the Gliders earned 1 gold and 2 silver medals. The USATF championship in Myrtle Beach, SC turned out to be too financially and logistically cumbersome as it required an additional trip to Myrtle Beach for the qualifier.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season in mid-December with a year-end bowling party, awarding 2 college scholarships to Gliders at two universities, and continuing its tradition of helping several needy families during the holidays. Through the generous donations of our present and past members, the Gliders were able to provide over $3,600 in support to several needy families in 2014.
Many thanks go to the Track Shack Foundation and many other donors for supporting our cross country team and charitable efforts this season. www.cfgliders.com
2013 Cross Country Season Summary
Practice started the beginning of September at Sanlando Park with the registration meeting. The athletes ran in a couple of school meets and then the 3rd week in October, the Gliders hosted the AAU Florida Association District Cross Country Championships for the 15th consecutive year at the Sanlando Park/Seminole Softball Complex and qualified all the athletes to the national championships. Also, concurrently at this meet, we ran a qualifier for the Middle School State Championships which slightly increased the number of athletes that attended our annual meet. Over the next few weeks, the Gliders competed in the Middle School Championships winning several divisions while the high school and college Gliders competed in conference and district meets. Later in November, several Gliders competed and medaled in the high school state championships in Tallahassee. In late November, the Glider s did not to run in the USATF state meet since the team decided not to compete in the USATF Nationals in Houston, TX. The Gliders also did not compete at Footlocker.
Now ready for national competition, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships which was held in Fort Gordon, Georgia, in the Augusta suburbs. The club rented a van to travel to Augusta for the nationals and early Friday, we toured the Atlanta Chronicle Newspaper and visited the Augusta Museum of History which featured a whole floor on James Brown who lived in Augusta before reviewing out the course. We had a team dinner at Red Lobster on Thursday and a team dinner on Friday at the Olive Garden. Fortunately, both dinners were donated by benefactors. On Saturday, 13 athletes competed for the Gliders, with one Glider winning a national championship! 3 others earned a spot on the podium by finishing in the top 8 places and 4 earned medals by placing in the top 25 in their respective age divisions while the Gliders youth boys team placed 3rd after finishing 5th last year. Later the club had a pizza party and visited the local mall, but were rained out from touring the downtown river walk area.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season with year-end party bowling party where the athletes and coaches were recognized. This year only one scholarship was awarded to a Gliders in grad school. The club also continued its tradition of helping several needy families during both holidays. Many thanks go to our main sponsors: Track Shack Foundation, Walmart and Publix for supporting our cross country team this season. www.cfgliders.com
2012 Cross Country Season Summary
After a successful track season, practice started the beginning of September at Sanlando Park with the registration meeting. The 3rd week in October, the Gliders hosted the AAU Florida Association Cross Country Championships for the 14th consecutive year at the Sanlando Park/Seminole Softball Complex and qualified 20 athletes to the national championships. Also in October, several Gliders competed in the Middle School Championships and a road race while the high school and college Gliders competed in conference and district meets.10 Gliders competed in the high school state championships in Tallahassee while the weekend before on the same course, 2 Gliders competed in the NCAA Regional Championships and one made it to the National NCAA Nationals. In late November, the Glider s intended to run in the USATF State Championships, but declined since there were only 14 competitors and we decided not to go to the nationals in Albuquerque. The Gliders also did not compete again at Footlocker after competing there for a number of years.
Now ready for national competition, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships which was finally held out of town in RocK Hill, SC after 3 consecutive years at the Disney Sports Complex. The club rented a bus for the nationals (for the first time) and stayed in Charlotte. Early Friday, we visited the Windy Apple Orchard and later the York County Museum before checking out the course and then the team dinner at Buca di Peppo. On Saturday, 17 athletes competed for the Gliders and 8 earned medals by placing in the top 25 in their respective age divisions while the Gliders youth boys team finished 6th. Later the club had a pizza party, rode go-karts and played mini-golf at Aventureland in Charlotte.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season with the annual year-end party where the athletes and coaches were recognized. This year $1,500 in scholarships were awarded to Gliders in college and grad school. The club also continued its tradition of helping several needy families during both holidays. Many thanks go to our main sponsors: Track Shack Foundation and Transaction Data Systems for supporting our cross country team this season. www.cfgliders.com
2011 Cross Country Season Summary
With no hurricane interruptions this year, practice started the beginning of September at Sanlando Park with the registration meeting. The 3rd week in October, the Gliders hosted the AAU Florida Association Cross Country Championships for the 13th consecutive year at the Sanlando Park/Seminole Softball Complex and qualified 32 athletes to the national championships. Also in October, several Gliders competed in the Middle School Championships and a road race while the high school and college Gliders competed in conference and district meets. In November, after shopping for a needy family for Thanksgiving, the Glider s traveled by van to Miami and ran in the USATF qualifier, qualifying 9 athletes and our midget boys team for the USATF nationals in Myrtle Beach. The Gliders did not compete again at Footlocker after competing there for 10 years in a row, the Glider trained hard to prepare for the national championships.
Now ready for national competition, the Gliders competed in the AAU National Cross Country Championships which was again held in Disney Sports Complex. 22 athletes competed for the Gliders and 8 earned medals by placing in the top 25 in their respective age divisions. The Gliders were honored with a 1st place Team Gold Medal and an individual Gold Medal performance and a 5th place team finish. Later the club has the season-ending party at the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant and the annual miniature golf tournament at Congo River.
Traveling in vans to Myrtle Beach, eight Glider athletes competed at the very competitive USATF Cross Country Nationals this year at the fast Whispering Pines Golf Course where almost all of the Glider had PRs, but did not win any top 25 medals and our one team finished 11th. While in South Carolina, the Gliders played miniature golf, visited the beach, had a pizza party and a pre-race dinner on Friday at the local Olive Garden.
The Gliders finished up the cross country season with the annual year-end party where the athletes were honored. This year $1,800 in scholarships were awarded to Gliders in college and grad school and the club continued its tradition of helping 6 needy families during both holidays. Many thanks go to our main sponsors: Track Shack Foundation, Kohl’s and Transaction Data Systems for supporting our cross country team this season. www.cfgliders.com
2011 AAU XC National Championship
Glider Youth Boys National Champions!
Brandon Marquez-SY-1st; Boston Fitzpatrick-Y 3rd; Jesse Millson-SY 8th; Max Robinson Y-11th; Jerod Fuller Y-29th; Joe Thrailkill Y-31; Desi Ferreira Y-35; Jean Carlos Peralta Y-42; Jackson Boucher SY 63; Erik McKay Y 65; Caleb Brady SY 86; Isaiah Keebler Y 111; Corbin Wapshott SY 117