Cross Country running is a sport of endurance, fitness, and self-discipline that outpaces the competitive landscape of so many other sports. It challenges the mind and body, simultaneously, and creates a sense of exhaustion of both the physical and the mental condition of the athlete. Pushing oneself to achieve the extra steps, or to improve a steady pace, or to ignore the muscles that are demanding rest takes courage and stamina, and we are fortunate in that we find these qualities (and much more) within students among the Concept Schools network.
We are proud and honored to announce that Horizon Science Academy Belmont High School’s cross country team was awarded a Brooks Future Run Team Grant in the amount of $1000. Additionally, Brooks provided new running shoes and running apparel to help support this small yet mighty team. The grant will help equip HSA Belmont’s runners for practices and competitions while providing financial support for team needs, such as transportation, fees for entering meets/invitationals, and more. This grant represents a meaningful investment in HSA Belmont students for their opportunity to participate, grow, and succeed through athletics.
Best known as a premiere provider of running shoes and running gear, Brooks sees beyond the track or trail and aims to support student runners at every stage of their journey. Brooks understands the connection between vigorous discipline and a lifelong passion for running, which translates into success beyond the running path, beyond the classroom, and beyond careers. These young runners are empowered to achieve goals they may have once believed were not possible, and the support of a key player in the sport of running represents a belief in these students that is oftentimes overlooked.
Team Highlights
The HSA Belmont High School Cross Country team qualified for the 2026 IHSA Class 1A Regionals. Four athletes finished in the Top 20:
- Jose Ramirez – 2nd Place
- Amanuel Kohl – 6th Place
- Adealias Palmer – Top 20
- Alfredrick Morris – Top 20
Horizon Science Academy Belmont Elementary also entered with middle school runners, Joseph De La Vega and Zionunique Brown, who competed in their first Middle School Regional Conference.
The Brooks Grant
Brooks Future Run Team Grants support underserved high school cross country and track and field programs with performance running gear and financial assistance. The program helps reduce barriers to participation and gives young runners access to the resources they need to reach the starting line. This support will help students focus on their goals and continue developing alongside their teammates.
HSA Belmont and Concept Schools acknowledge and show a profound appreciation to Brooks for their support of our school’s cross country program, and for investing in the next generation of runners.
