This fall Dana Hall had introduced distinct Junior Varsity and Varsity Cross County programs. Prior to September 2025, Dana Hall had only one team, with the promise everyone would be given a spot on the team. This team atmosphere earned a reputation for being very inclusive—something Dana Hall strives to foster in its sports programs, according to Director of Athletics Mike White —but the team often faced challenges regarding sizing and runner eligibility, which pushed the athletic department to create multiple teams. Junior Varsity runs a 3k race and Varsity runs 5k races throughout the season.
Mr. White expressed his enthusiasm for the large cross country program, but mentioned how the athletic department tries to make space for athletes at all levels and therefore separate teams were necessary. “Cross country is a sport that has huge potential to see competitive growth,” Mr. White mentioned, and by creating different teams Dana Hall is able to train runners to their ability much more easily and balance ability.
This season, Varsity Cross Country is coached by Amanda Feldman ‘12, who has coached at Dana Hall since 2019, and the JV team is coached by Brian Cook and Joel Sweetser. Amanda notes that the “groups are dynamic, so athletes can move up as appropriate.” Many runners appreciate the chance to be coached better to match their level, including Ruby Dutch ‘28 who says the program “creates a better environment for practices better suited to your skill level.” Athletes are eligible to move up as necessary to benefit from the Varsity training plan if their times improve.
The athletics department is still committed to fostering an inclusive space, and wants to honor that legacy, but creating multiple teams will allow for Dana to build on the grades five through twelve community we have. Like the swimming program, this no-contact sport is open to all grades, allowing middle schoolers to compete at the JV or Varsity level. By having upper and middle schoolers on the same teams, it allows students to really see their growth over their full length of time at Dana, Mr White says.
Although the Athletic Department has not yet received much feedback on the creation of separate programs, Mr. White believes the change will raise the varsity team’s competitive level while giving runners more tailored training options, a shift he expects many will welcome. Varsity will face Bancroft next Wednesday, while JV trains for the combined JV–Varsity Homecoming race.
Cover photo: Adam Richins