River Oak
Cross Country
Grades 4 through 8 · CM-PAL League
Aboutthe Program
River Oak Christian Academy fields a cross country team for students in 4th through 8th grade as part of the Central Missouri Parochial Athletic League (CM-PAL). Runners of every ability level are welcome, whether this is their first season of running or their fifth.
Our program is built around three core values: Sacrifice, Grow, and Enjoy. We aim to develop runners who work hard, support one another, and grow as athletes and as young men and women of faith.
Practices begin in late June with a team kickoff event on June 13. The race season runs from the week after Labor Day through mid-October, with meets held primarily on Wednesday afternoons.
Our CoreValues
Sacrifice
The best things in life ask something of us and require that we give more than what is comfortable. We show up when we would rather not, work through what is hard, and put our team ahead of ourselves.
Grow
God uses discipline and effort to shape who we are becoming. We are here to learn how to use our bodies to good effect, to grow in our understanding, and to develop as runners and as individuals.
Enjoy
Cross country is hard and it is good. As we train and compete, we take joy in the gains we are making, celebrate those around us, and recognize this opportunity as a good gift from the Lord.
SeasonAt A Glance
Pre-Season Kickoff
Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. A single-day team event to kick off the season with introductions, teaching, a first run, a guest speaker, lunch, and team games.
Summer Practices
Beginning Monday, June 22. Practices are held Monday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM with an optional Saturday run. Each practice runs 45 to 60 minutes.
Race Season
First week of September through approximately October 20. Meets are primarily on Wednesdays, with occasional Tuesday and Saturday meets. Detailed meet schedule will be posted when confirmed by CM-PAL in August.
Post-Season
An end-of-season celebration with awards and pizza will happen at the end of October. Optional practices continue through November for runners preparing for the JCRRC Thanksgiving Day Pie Run 5K.
Saturday, June 13 · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Pre-SeasonKickoff: June 13
Our season begins with a team kickoff event on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at River Oak Christian Academy.
This is a team day for the runners, designed to introduce the coaching approach, build team identity, and get our runners excited for the summer ahead. The day will include a welcome and overview of the season, a teaching block on running form and effort levels, the team’s first run together, a guest speaker, lunch, and a fun active session.
Parents are welcome to attend and observe. Runners should bring running shoes, water, and clothes they can run in.
Cost
& Logistics
Program Fee
Covers CM-PAL registration, season events, minor equipment, per-race awards, and end-of-season recognition. Details on submitting fees will be communicated directly to families during signups.
Jerseys
Team jerseys are ordered separately by families through the Spirit Wear website. Ordering information and timing will be shared in time for jerseys to arrive before the first meet.
MeetThe Coach
I’m Kenny McCune, and this is my first season as head coach of the River Oak Cross Country program. Two of my children have run cross country at River Oak: Miles, who is graduating this year, and EllaBeth, who will continue to run for the program.
I view coaching this team as an opportunity to help young runners learn how to grow as athletes, but much more importantly to grow as young men and women of faith through discovering joy in the gains of hard work and in forming community. My aim is for every runner to finish the season improved physically, more committed to their teammates, and grateful for the gift of being able to participate in cross country.
If you have any questions, concerns, etc. I would love to speak with you.
- Textpreferred
- (417) 268-5644
- Phone
- (417) 268-5644
- kennethmccune@gmail.com
Parent &Runner Handbook
Our full Parent and Runner Handbook covers everything families need to know about the season, including practice structure, meet day logistics, team expectations, awards, weather and safety policy, and more.