A revitalized tradition creates new opportunities for student athletes while welcoming cross country competition back to the Tri County campus.
Girls Cross Country Coach Hannah Rackley joins members of the Tri County cross country team during a summer training run on the district’s revitalized trail.
As preparations continue for the upcoming fall athletic season, Tri County Area Schools' cross country teams are already putting in the miles on a revitalized home cross country trail that celebrates both the district's history and its continued commitment to investing in opportunities for students.
Building on a trail that existed years ago, the district has restored and expanded the course following the completion of the new elementary school. The revitalized trail now winds through additional wooded areas on district property, creating a scenic and challenging course that provides an exceptional environment for training while showcasing the natural beauty of the Tri County campus.
The project was a collaborative effort led by Athletic Director Phil Butler and Cross Country Coaches Hannah and Weston Rackley, who recognized the opportunity to restore and expand a longtime part of the district's athletic tradition. Together, they envisioned a course that would not only prepare student athletes for competition, but also create opportunities for future generations of Vikings.
Tri County runners emerge from the wooded section of the revitalized course during summer training. |
Student athletes are already putting the new trail to use as they prepare for the fall season. |
Beyond serving as a daily training facility, the revitalized course positions Tri County to once again host cross country meets, welcoming student athletes, families, and visitors to campus while showcasing the beauty of the district's grounds. This fall, Tri County looks forward to hosting its first home cross country meet since 2018 on September 29.
“This isn't just a course for our student-athletes—it's a community asset that will benefit hundreds of people for years to come. Our cross country runners now have a safe, challenging, and first-class facility to train and compete on, while our physical education classes, youth programs, and community members will also have a beautiful place to walk, run, and stay active. This project reflects our commitment to promoting health, wellness, and pride throughout our district, and we're excited to see the positive impact it will have on generations of Vikings.” — Phil Butler, Athletic Director |
Superintendent Ryan Biller said the project reflects the district's ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for students.
“This project is another example of how we continue investing in opportunities that enrich the student experience. Our campus offers an incredible natural setting, and this revitalized trail allows our cross country athletes to train, compete, and grow while taking full advantage of that resource. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life, and we're excited to see our student athletes enjoying it already.” — Ryan Biller, Superintendent |
The revitalized trail winds through wooded areas of the Tri County campus, providing a scenic and challenging environment for training and competition.
The district also extends its sincere appreciation to Director of Operations & Facilities, Thomas Phinney for his leadership and countless behind the scenes efforts in coordinating the project from concept to completion. Working alongside Russ Sanders and Rural Lakes Tree Service, whose expertise and craftsmanship helped restore and expand the trail system, the project reflects what can be accomplished through strong collaboration and a shared commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for Tri County students.
Already, members of both the boys and girls cross country teams have made the trail a regular part of their summer training, building endurance, strengthening team camaraderie, and preparing for another exciting Viking season.
“We are so grateful to the school community for building this course. It will get a lot of use throughout the year and be a great asset to our schools for generations to come. This new resource will help our runners train to the best of their ability while providing a safe place to do so. We appreciate everyone who contributed their time and effort to make it possible.” — Hannah Rackley, Girls Cross Country Coach |
The expanded course incorporates varied terrain throughout the district’s wooded campus property. |
The restored and extended trail provides a dedicated home course for current and future Viking runners. |
For Boys Cross Country Coach Weston Rackley, the revitalized course represents another investment in Tri County students and the future of the program.
“Thanks to our district leadership team, Mr. Butler, and the many individuals who helped make this project possible, we now have a great course on which to train and compete. Our runners have already put the course to good use this summer, and we're excited to continue training here as we prepare for the fall season. The course is the latest in a series of improvements to both our athletic and academic facilities that demonstrates Tri County's commitment to providing the very best opportunities for all students. We're especially excited to welcome schools back to our campus for our first home cross country meet since 2018 on September 29.” — Weston Rackley, Boys Cross Country Coach |
The revitalized course represents more than just a place to run. It reflects Tri County Area Schools' continued investment in facilities and experiences that help students grow, compete, and succeed while strengthening the connection between our schools and the community we proudly serve.
As Viking runners continue to log miles this summer, the trail is already fulfilling the vision that inspired its revitalization. What was once a familiar part of the Tri County campus has been reimagined for a new generation of runners, creating opportunities for today's student athletes while establishing a lasting legacy for future Vikings.
Educate. Encourage. Empower. |