How do I register my child to run track with the Blue Knights?
Everyone interested in participating must follow these steps:
Please click on the link to read this important message about expectations for the upcoming season.
Official registration will occur on the BK website December 15, 2025, through January 3, 2026. No late registrations will be accepted.
Please also complete this questionnaire by January 3, 2026: https://forms.gle/5kuCXd4C38XnsSUU9
We will have a mandatory Parent/Athlete meeting on Thursday, January 8th, 6:00 pm. Location TBA.
Only registered athletes may participate in practices and meets.
When, where and how long does the team practice?
Practices will begin on Monday February 23, 2026 and run through May 9, 2026.
Monday 5-7 pm at Parkway Northeast Middle School - Middle and High School (will practice 4:30-6 pm the first two Mondays until daylight savings)
Thursday 8-10 pm at Missouri Baptist University (MBU) - High School only
Saturday 6-8 am at MBU - Middle and High School
You should come to practice in running clothes appropriate for weather and running shoes. Practice will start promptly at the stated times.
Instructions for “on-your-own” workouts will be given out by the coaches for the days we do not practice. All athletes are expected to complete “on-your-own” workouts on non-practice days
What does it cost to run track with the Blue Knights?
Fees are subject to change each season. For 2026, high school will be $185 and middle school $145.
Registration Fee: All players must pay an additional $20 fee that covers other organizational costs.
Uniforms:
We use the same uniforms for both XC and Track.
Uniforms are required to be purchased. The approximate cost is $75. Everyone will wear the new style uniforms introduced in 2023.
Tights/compression shorts/undershirts are acceptable to wear UNDER the official uniforms. Preferred colors are black and white.
High schoolers also are required to purchase our new team-issued warmup jacket for $65. These will be complemented by black warmup pants that can be purchased on your own (any brand but must be black) or the official black warmup pants for $60.
Middle schoolers do not have official warmups but may purchase Blue Knights spirit hoodies.
Other expenses:
Families can expect modest admission fees for some track meets, along with travel costs for attending Homeschool Nationals (hotel, food, gas, etc.).
Good running shoes are strongly recommended for all, along with running spikes for high schoolers. Local running stores frequently offer discounts for athletes on track teams if you ask.
Athletes registering for Triathlon (MS) and Pentathlon (HS) at Nationals will be expected to pay for the entry fee to these events (anticipated to be $25).
Are there any discounts for siblings?
No
Are other discounts or scholarships available?
There is a discount for full-time pastors’ families, available during the registration process. Email [email protected] if you would like to inquire about a hardship scholarship application. Such applications need to be submitted before December 15, 2026.
What if I cannot attend some of the practices?
Athletes will need to attend the majority of practices in order to participate in meets. The majority means half plus one of all practices that have occurred prior to that meet. For example, if we have 8 practices before the first meet, athletes will need to have attended 5 of the practices to participate. If we have 10 practices before the second meet, athletes will need 6 to participate. Like the Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) practice protocols, we will count practices from the Blue Knights Basketball teams towards our Track program since it is a winter sport that can cross over into spring track. We will also consider this waiver for those participating in other winter sports. If you are in a winter sport which coincides with the start of Track practices in February/March, please email Coach Jane so that we are aware of the situation. [email protected]
How old does my child need to be to join the team?
Our track program is for 6th through 12th grade.
MSHSAA eligibility
Players must be homeschooled for 365 consecutive days before they are eligible to participate in MSHSAA games. If you are transferring from public or private school sports to homeschool sports, please email Coach Jane so that we are aware of the situation. [email protected]
*Note: Parents should not contact MSHSAA regarding their questions, complaints, or concerns. All questions/concerns to MSHSAA need to go through Blue Knights Athletic Director, Rick Tucker, via email at [email protected].
Which track and field events does the track team offer, and which will my child be eligible for?
We compete in most events offered in MSHSAA meets including 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m (high school), hurdles, relays, high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot-put and discus. We do not compete in javelin nor pole vault as we are not insured for those sports. Additional events we participate in at Homeschool Nationals include steeple chase and the pentathlon.
What is our 2026 meet schedule?
High School (tentative)
3/25 Winfield
Early April - additional meet TBD
4/10 St. Dominic
4/22 Washington Relays
4/28 Louisiana Invite
5/12-14 Homeschool Track Nationals - Jefferson City, MO
Middle School (tentative)
3/30 Winfield
April - additional meet TBD
April/May - additional meet TBD
5/12-14 Homeschool Track Nationals - Jefferson City, MO
We use the GameChanger Team Manager app for the calendar after athlete registration is complete and the meets are confirmed. Complete instructions, including download links for your app store can be found here.
Other races:
During the season, we discourage participating in other races (5Ks, half marathons, or other athletic competitions) outside of the team races. Any such events should be discussed with the head coach prior to registration.
When does the season begin, and how long does it last?
A Parent & Athlete Informational Meeting will be scheduled shortly after registration closes. Official practices will begin Monday, February 23. We anticipate 6 high school meets and 4 middle school meets, as listed above. The season ends with the National Homeschool Track Championship at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on May 12-14 (Tuesday-Thursday). The end of season awards and picnic will be scheduled in the middle of May (exact date TBD).
Are tryouts required to join the team?
No. All homeschoolers are welcome to join the program regardless of ability–we do ask that athletes are committed to do their best and complete all workouts as directed by our coaches. We seek to provide a program where competitive runners can excel and improve as well as where new runners can learn to love the sport and be part of a team. The high school team is competitive with the best runners/jumpers/throwers selected for events regardless of age/grade. We try to select meets that allow the most entries into events so that developing athletes are able to compete, however, playing time is not guaranteed due to participation limits in meets. Some athletes may not be able to participate in some meets. The size of the team, athlete’s ability, and decisions of the coaches all determine meet participation. All athletes will, however, be able to compete in up to four events at Homeschool Nationals, as there are no limitations on how many athletes can compete at that meet.
What should I do before the season begins?
Athletes should be running before the season begins so that they are in shape once formal team practices begin. Our first meets are only ~3 weeks after practices start. Please contact one of the coaches for specific suggestions for pre-season training.
Who are the coaches, and how can I get in touch with them?
Coach Bios page
Head Coach (and HS distance): Jane Criswell ([email protected])
Assistant Head Coach: Eric Anderson
Assistant Coach (HS sprints and jumps): Kathryn Baker
Assistant Coach (high jump): Mark Forbes
Assistant Coach (middle school): Sarah Bobell
Assistant Coach (hurdles): Ally Welch
Assistant Coach (shot and discus): Jake Welch
Assistant Coach: Rachel Elbl
What will be expected of me and my child if we decide to participate in a Blue Knights program?
Please read through the Parent Manifesto, Parent Contract and the Athlete Contract found under the Registration Info > Agreements & Forms menu above. Additionally, a parent from each family will be expected to volunteer in some way for the track team. Examples of volunteer positions include: meet volunteer, recording attendance, timing an event, helping organize the end-of-year picnic, etc.
**At registration, all athletes are asked to read and agree to the athlete code of conduct contract (direct link). Please note that we have the following additional expectations for track athletes at team practices and meets:
Dress should be modest. For example, for girls: shirts should come to the waistline (no crop tops, sports bras, spaghetti straps, or waist showing); for guys: shirts need to stay on, and should come to the waistline.
Music/headphones. We do not permit athletes to wear headphones/earbuds or play music during team practices or at meets.
I have more questions about registration. Whom should I contact, and how?
Contact Marla Coumerilh: [email protected]
What is XC Stats and how do I register?
XC Stats is the software we use to track athlete performance in both our XC and Track programs. All athletes must register as this is our primary means for communication. For those who have used XC Stats before, no additional registration is required. For those new to XC Stats, please follow the instructions here. You can find our team page at https://www.xcstats.com/team_page.php?school_id=1326. NOTE: All athletes are expected to report absences for meets and practices using the XC Stats app.
What should I do if I have an issue with a coach or with someone within the Blue Knights organization?
Please follow the Conflict Resolution guide found under the Registration Info > Agreements & Forms menu above.
I have more questions. whom should I contact, and how?
Contact [email protected] with any additional questions that aren’t addressed here.