Harriers: The Making of a Championship Cross Country Team

by Joseph Shivers, Paul Shivers

A fresh perspective enlivens this classic story about a losing team with an energetic new coach. Written by two Ohio teenagers about their high school's cross-country team, this account offers engaging portraits of the kids and their coach, passes on lessons of hard work and sacrifice, and follows the ascent of the Salem Quakers cross-country team to a first-place ranking in their conference and third place at the 2003 state championships. Along the way the teenagers learn the unromantic truth about the athletic association that regulates their high school sport—legal wrangling and uproar ensue when officials find scoring errors in a postseason meet. As they develop their talents and teamwork, the teens also learn valuable lessons about sports rules, bureaucracy, and true success.

150 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2006

Reviews

[Chuckles · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book written by two teens as they finished high school, this book punches well above its weight class. It was also surprisingly dense for under two hundred pages. The story was very enjoyable, the authors did a great job bringing high school cross country races to life, these were very exciting parts of the story. I also applaud them for what felt like full honesty as they shared thoughts and actions they likely regretted and may have even been embarrassed about later. Because of the authors’ ages some parts might feel immature to older readers, or unimportant, but they give the story that much more authenticity. There is nothing too crude so its completely appropriate for younger, even middle school aged readers. I’ve only read a few books on XC and I feel this would be the best for young people interested in the sport.

There are some weaknesses, some areas that felt a little disjointed, but overall it was very well done. Given it appears to be either self-published or from a very small local press, and given the inexperience of the two authors (cousins and teammates on the XC team in the story) I did not expect this to be as well done as it was. 4/5 stars.

[Mary Orcutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former X Country and Track and field Coach

Very good information on how XC works. This is a great read for all individuals who have experienced or will experience XC. It is how I felt as a coach and as an athlete. Excellent non fiction story!!

[Amanda Gallenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the Salem Cross Country Team, circa early 2000's, as told my 2 members of the team. It was a good story. I'd love to read a book about my daughters cross country team some day with the same feels as this one.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about the Salem, Ohio Cross Country Team and how they go from 8th place in their district to the State meet the next year and well, I won't give out the ending. It's a great book for both parents of runners that are new to the sport and I would think for Jr. High runners as to what they can expect on a H.S. CC team. It is written by two of the runners I believe while they were still on the team or shortly after they graduated. Very easy reading.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book, along with two other running books, "God on the Starting Line," and "Uncommon Heart," and this is definitely the best of the lot. The plot is mostly interesting and while it can be a little slow in some parts it at least has a story and likable enough characters. A running book that is actually readable, go teenagers! You kick the adults' butts any day.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed for VOYA