Tag: junior high xc

by Tom and Gwyn Chobot

Dear Pacers,

We wish to thank the membership for, once again, supporting this race for 17 years. We truly believe that this race has been instrumental as a community outreach endeavor in an effort to promote interest in distance running among the youth of Berks County. Everything starts with the youth, and we need to emphasize all the benefits of running including, but not limited to, the physical health benefits, the rise in self-esteem and self-confidence, and the fact that those who take care of themselves, tend to take care of the world around them. In other words, runners, by nature, tend to make the world a better place in their own unique way. Having each been running for more than 50 years, we have witnessed this enough to believe it with all our hearts. 

This year’s race had 152 7^th and 8^th graders from 15 Berks County schools. Sadly, the numbers were down from an average of around 200 runners since the race’s inception. This appears to be a statewide trend, maybe even a nationwide one, as these young runners have more options and opportunities available to them.  We don’t know what the solution is, but as a running community, at the very least, we need to be more aggressive in our efforts to attract young people to our sport which we know will enhance their quality of life for the rest of their life. 

‘Nuff’ said.

Thank you to our Pacer volunteers, many of whom come out every year, and make the race a success, as well as make a great end-of-season celebration of these young runners’ cross-country experience. We might add that at the time of this writing, 15 of the 25 Berks County Senior High runners who qualified for the state championship meet, to be held on November 1, had run our race. This club is making a difference. 

In addition to the junior high race, Gwyn and I have co-directed the high school Berks County Championship Run. Part of our responsibilities have been to recruit volunteers, and each year the Pacers have always stepped up. Even though this was our last year directing, the BCIAA (the governing body of Berks County scholastic athletics) has asked our club volunteers to return as they were impressed as to how well the Pacers orchestrate a running event. A feather in our cap for sure. 

We are passing the torch, and hope the club continues to be involved in these worthwhile events which will shape the future of this organization, our sport, and the running community as a whole. 

by Tom Chobot

Gwyn and I have been members of the club for roughly 35 years. During that time, we have run and/or been involved in countless club races and club functions, and cherish every memory of every one of them. Moreover, the Pacers have become a second family to us, as we have been blessed to have formed a boatload of close friendships which, in our hearts, are indeed considered family. When we retired three years ago, we moved into the home where I grew up in Susquehanna County in Northeast PA. It was a shock at first, as we started with only a small handful of folks whom we knew here. However, little by little, we began getting involved in the local community, including establishing a kids’ fun run at a local community fair, starting a run/jog/walk club, and volunteer coaching with the local high school cross-country team. This brings us to the point of this article. It’s time to start cutting our ties with our Berks County involvements – a very difficult decision indeed. 

In 2009, Phil Lechner, Gwyn, and I approached the club with the idea of hosting an all-county junior high cross-country meet which would mimic the Berks high school XC championship meet. The club instantly embraced the idea, and has continuously supported the race ever since. Additionally, Gwyn and I began to co-direct the high school championship race in 2014 and have approached the club for volunteers each year since, and the club has always come through. 

This year will be our last for both. Most likely, Phil will take over the junior high race, and he will need lots of help. I plead to the club to continue this race as an official club event, and I wish to emphasize the importance of this event with respect to the future of our sport in the Berks area. Nearly every Berks County cross-country runner over the last 16 years has participated, averaging 200 runners each year. In terms of community service, this event has arguably given the club the greatest return on investment over that time frame. 

The BCIAA will be looking for directors and volunteers as well for the high school race. Might be something to consider. 

Letting go of these races is no easier than watching your child leave for college or the military, but when it’s time, it’s time. We will be asking for volunteers once more this year for October 14^th at Kutztown U. and October 18^th at the Reading Fairgrounds (email me at chobot7957@msn.com if you’re interested), and we hope to see many of you when we volunteer at Blues Cruise. As always, we wish our Pacer family all the best.

When: Saturday, October 19th, 7 to 11AM

Where: Reading Fairgrounds, Bern Township

Race Information and how to get involved

The “Fall Run-Off” Invitational boys and girls races is for all 7th and 8th grade Berks County runners who have competed for a BCIAA school district during the 2024 junior high season.

Awards:  

Top 5 boys and girls teams

Top 15 individual 7th and 8th grade boys                           

Top 15 individual 7th and 8th grade girls 

A total of 60 individual awards!!!

Directions:  Link to map The Reading Fairgrounds are located off of Route 183, at County Welfare & Hilltop Roads in Bern Township, Berks County, PA.  From 222 follow 183 North to the traffic light at CVS/pharmacy, turn left and then turn right on County Welfare Road. 

If you have time to help out with this event, contact Tom Chobot, or call 484-269-2889.