More than 1,200 children from schools all across Maui and Lanai compete in the cross country schedule, including students in grades K-8 at Sacred Hearts School.

LAHAINA – The cross country running program at Sacred Hearts School began six years ago with eight adventurous kids participating. Fast forward to 2019, and today 75 bright-eyed youngsters from kindergarten to eighth grade make up the team under coach Sandy Henry.

Coach Sandy, who also serves as track and field and volleyball coach, began her tenure with the cross country program in 2015.

“I am blessed to have the support of Principal Miguel Solis and the fantastic parents of the student-athletes on the cross country team,” she said last week. “They are always willing to help me out, making sure our children are safe and just having fun.”

Henry reported that over 1,200 children from schools all across Maui and Lanai compete in the cross country schedule. There are six meets held throughout the fall semester, including the Adventure Fest Maui 2K and the Front Street Mile, and meets Upcountry and in Central Maui.

The Sacred Hearts team practices two days per week in sessions that include conditioning exercises along with running double the amount of miles/distances they do on race day.

This equates out to K-3 keiki running one mile, fourth- and fifth-graders covering two miles, and sixth-to eighth-graders doing training runs of three miles.

Coach Sandy holds both a Business Degree and a Nursing Degree and works at home with her husband’s general contracting business. She also works as the SHS Parent Teacher Group treasurer, is a member of the school’s Advisory Board, and volunteers on campus when needed. It is her labor of love.

“I wouldn’t do any of this if I didn’t love the kids and our Sacred Hearts School ‘ohana,” she concluded.