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JHS Cross Country Program Is Recipient Of $15,000 Grant

Cristin Hockenberry remembers the afternoon well.

“It was the day of the Silver Creek cross country meet,” the Jamestown modified girls coach said. “It was in October and (the weather) was miserable. It was super cold, it was raining and there were puddles everywhere. … The conditions were not favorable at all.”

Hockenberry’s countenance improved markedly, however, during the return trip home when she received a phone call from a representative from Brooks Booster Club, a needs-based program that provides performance running footwear, apparel and funding to under-resourced cross country and track teams, informing her that the Red Raiders had qualified for a $15,000 grant.

“It could not have come at a better time,” Hockenberry said. “This allows us to be able to still provide for our student-athletes and gives us resources for our training.”

Added head coach Steve Sipior: “When she told me (about it) I had to think back to last year when I remember her saying, ‘Brooks has these grants. Do you mind if I apply for one?’ You don’t ever think you’re going to win one, so this is so awesome.”

Runners in the program received new shoes last week, and a tent has also arrived. Hockenberry, Sipior and assistant coach Tony Dolce plan to add other amenities with the grant money, too.

“We want to do something with our strength training,” Hockenberry said. “There are so many things you can do to enhance our training program (through) different equipment that’s not standard weight-room equipment. Those are some of the things we’re looking at.”

Nearly 50 runners are currently in the Jamestown program, a number that grew when the pandemic forced the cancellation of some of the other fall high school sports.

“One of the good things that COVID brought was we had student-athletes who joined us to have something to do and they fell in love with it,” Hockenberry said. “If you love cross country this much under these conditions … you’re going to be over the moon when things get back to normal.”

According to brooksrunning.com, the Brooks Booster Club has helped 129 schools and 5,500 young runners across the country since 2015. Through its program, Brooks has invested more than $1.8 million in cash and gear.

“Brooks’ motto is, ‘Run Happy,'” Hockenberry said. “Is there any better way to enhance that model than what they’re doing? To be a company and give this amount to young student-athletes? If this doesn’t make them happy, I don’t know what will.”

Hockenberry is a big fan of Desiree Linden, who captured the 2018 Boston Marathon after several near misses, becoming the first American in 33 years to win the event.

“After she won the marathon, she just said, ‘Keep Showing Up,'” Hockenberry recalled. “Having something like (the grant) for our kids, they’re going to keep ‘showing up.'”

Noted Sipior: “Brooks is very loyal to running. It’s good to see big companies that still focus on the little things. When big business can take care of the little people, it doesn’t get any better than that.”

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