Elliot Cross Country has an impressive history - 4 CIF section boys titles, 4 CIF section girls titles, and 3 alumni who were individual section champions: Kyle Hess (‘05), Kelly Martens (‘05) and Katie Davis (‘06).  These 8 teams have also competed in the state meet.

This year it looks like the legacy will continue! Leading the girls team, Senior Heidi Hathorn has her sights set on being the first from Jim Elliot Christian to run at the state meet for all four years of high school.  She is backed up by sophomore Megan Crutchfield and freshmen Amy Lambdin and Katie Anema. The girls recently beat Livingston High School who has not lost a cross country competition with JECHS in six years.  Great job Lady Eagles!
 

Sophomore, Garrett Fetzer is leading the Varsity Boys Cross Country team this year hopefully to its 5th Section Championship and then on to the State meet.  Senior Matt Howen is another star runner with sophomores Luke LaRue and Sam Towne rounding out this talented team.

And you can’t talk about our cross country or track teams without mentioning their motivational leader, Coach Jon Hathorn.  Since becoming the coach in 2000, he has inspired, motivated and spurred these teams on to victory.  He also is committed to God being first and has encouraged all Elliot athletes to let their light shine brightly for Jesus Christ on and off the playing field.    Jon shares that he teaches his athletes to be a “living testimony” by being above reproach and training them to always give their very best. He reminds them often of the scripture in Colossians 3:17 about “working hard as unto the Lord”. He has also organized doing good deeds for opposing teams; like providing free shaved ice or handing out hot dogs after the competitions.  This has resulted in many opportunities to share the Gospel.  The teams pray together regularly for the schools and athletes they compete against.  Many coaches and officials have been heard commenting about the outstanding attitude, character and sportsmanship of these fine Elliot athletes and their coach.

 Coach Hathorn is an awesome Christian role model who is positively impacting young people to serve the Lord. His wife Bev, can be found at every meet not only cheering on the athletes but assisting the team in every way.  We are blessed to have the Hathorns’ as a part of JECHS. 

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”  I Corinthians 9:24-25