Season runs through fall
Cross Country – 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
Coach: Don McLaughlin, donald.mclaughlin@lok12.org
2026 Oakview Middle School Cross Country Parent Information
Welcome!
Welcome to the 2026 Oakview Middle School Cross Country season! We are excited to begin another year of running, teamwork, and personal growth. Whether your child is an experienced runner or trying cross country for the first time, there is a place for everyone on our team. Our goal is to help every athlete improve, challenge themselves, support their teammates, and have fun throughout the season.
Coaching Staff
Donald McLaughlin – Head Coach
Donald.McLaughlin@lok12.org
Bethany Zahn – Assistant Coach
What is Cross Country?
Cross country is a sport where every athlete can contribute. Whether your child plans to become a competitive distance runner or simply wants to improve their fitness and be part of a team, they are welcome on the Oakview Cross Country team.
Preparing for the Season
Create a FinalForms Account
All athletes must be registered through FinalForms (Click on Student Athlete Registration) before participating in practices or meets.
Complete a Sports Physical
A current sports physical must be uploaded into FinalForms before your athlete may participate in practices or competitions.
Pay-to-Participate Fee
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The middle school Pay-to-Participate fee is $260 and covers the entire school year.
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Payment is not due until one week after the team has been selected.
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There is no fee to try out.
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Athletes may not compete in meets until the Pay-to-Participate contract has been completed and payment has been received.
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Families experiencing financial hardship should contact the Lake Orion High School Athletic Office at 248-693-5458 regarding available fee reductions.
Additional athletic information can be found on the Oakview Middle School Athletics webpage.
Season Schedule
A complete schedule, maps, and meet information can be found on Athletic.net.
I will also send a weekly update every Sunday through FinalForms with practice information, meet reminders, and any schedule changes.
Practice Information
Practice begins Monday, August 24, from 3:00–4:00 PM, the week before school starts.
Once school begins, practice will be held Monday through Friday on all school days from 3:00–4:00 PM.
I will conduct a brief parent meeting after practice on Wednesday September 2 at 4:00 at the Oakview track shed.
If school is not in session, there will be no practice.
We meet each day at the shed near the Oakview track behind the school.
Practices are held rain or shine. We will only cancel practice for severe weather (lightning, dangerous heat, or other unsafe conditions). Any cancellations will be communicated through FinalForms as soon as possible.
Meet Schedule
Friday, September 4
Golden Grizzlies Invitational – Oakland University
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1.5-mile race
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Boys: 8:45 AM
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Girls: 9:15 AM
Parents should plan to arrive early. High school and collegiate races follow the middle school events.
Saturday, September 12
Old Skool Classic – Wolcott Mill Historic Center
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Races begin at 10:00 AM
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Parents provide transportation.
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Please arrive early, as parking and traffic can be challenging.
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Be prepared for muddy conditions!
Wednesday, September 16
Scripps Jamboree – Lake Orion High School
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Bus departs: 3:00 PM
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Races begin: 4:30 PM
Tuesday, September 22
Waldon Jamboree
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Bus departs: 3:00 PM
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Races begin: 4:20 PM
Saturday, September 26
Hanson's Invitational – Parkway Christian School
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Middle school races begin at 1:30 PM
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Parents provide transportation.
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Arrive early to enjoy the high school races. This course is flat, fast, and fun!
Friday, October 2
Oakland County Championships – Kensington Metropark
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Races begin: 3:30 PM
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Students will leave school early.
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Round-trip bus transportation is planned.
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Traffic and parking can be heavy, so plan accordingly.
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Expect hills!
Saturday, October 10
Regional Zone 3 Championships – Dakota High School
Wednesday, October 14
Clarkston Jamboree
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Bus departs: 3:00 PM
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Race time: TBD
Wednesday, October 21
Pumpkin Meet – Lake Orion High School
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Bus departs: 3:00 PM
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Races begin: 4:15 PM
Tuesday, October 27
7th Annual LOMS City Championship – Waldon Middle School
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Bus departs: 3:00 PM
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Races begin: 4:20 PM
Wednesday, October 28
End-of-Season Pizza Party & Paper Plate Awards
Oakview Middle School
3:00–4:00 PM
Transportation
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Parents are responsible for transporting athletes to all Saturday meets and the Golden Grizzlies Invitational.
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School buses will transport athletes to weekday away meets.
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Parents are responsible for picking up their athlete following weekday meets unless otherwise noted.
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Round-trip bus transportation is planned for the Oakland County Championships.
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If your athlete is leaving with a parent or legal guardian, please notify Coach McLaughlin or Coach Zahn before departing.
Uniforms
Each athlete will need to purchase an Oakview Cross Country singlet (tank top). A link to the team store will be sent once it opens.
If your athlete already has an Oakview Cross Country or Track uniform, they may continue using it.
We will have loaner singlets available for athletes who need one for the first meet.
For meets, athletes should wear:
Practice Clothing & Equipment
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Wear clothing appropriate for running and the weather.
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A quality pair of running shoes is the most important piece of equipment for preventing injuries and improving comfort.
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Hanson's Running Shop (or another specialty running store) can properly fit your athlete for running shoes.
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Middle School Shoe Night at Hanson's Lake Orion: September 2
20% off shoes and apparel from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (discount also applies to parents and siblings).
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Racing spikes are optional. They can provide an advantage in muddy conditions but are not necessary for middle school competition.
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Dress appropriately for the weather and bring extra clothing on cooler days.
We race in all weather conditions except thunder and lightning.
Nutrition & Hydration
Athletes perform their best when they fuel their bodies properly.
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Eat balanced meals with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
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Drink water consistently throughout the day—not just at practice.
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A light snack such as fruit, yogurt, or a bagel before practice works well for many athletes.
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Multi-sport athletes should pay especially close attention to nutrition and hydration.
We'll continue talking with athletes throughout the season about using food as fuel for performance and recovery.
Volunteer Opportunities
Parents interested in organizing team snacks for away meets are welcome to do so.
Popular items include:
Questions?
We are looking forward to another outstanding season and appreciate your support of Oakview Cross Country. Together, we can make this a fun, positive, and successful experience for every athlete.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Donald McLaughlin
Head Cross Country Coach
Email: Donald.McLaughlin@lok12.org
Cell: 248-390-7169 (call or text for urgent matters)
Meet results can be found throughout the season on Athletic.net.
Thank you,
Don McLaughlin
Oakview Middle School Athletics
Click here to access FinalForms