Alameda 'Asteroids' Middle School Cross Country Team is a Fall enrichment program run by the Alameda Education Foundation. For many students, the AEF Middle School Cross Country program is their first foray into sports. Participating in cross country enables them to discover new talents and perseverance and grow as athletes. It also enables middle schoolers to get a taste of competing on a regional level before they reach high school. Students learn to challenge themselves, set goals, move out of their comfort zones and work hard towards a set goal. Many parents report that their students continue running after the season is over and that this experience gives them the confidence to take on other challenges in their athletic, academic and social lives.
Over 40 6th – 8th graders participate in cross country, coached by Debra Cramer and Don Porteous, Assistant Coach as well as other volunteers. The Asteroids compete against other middle schools in their league.
For more information on this Fall after school program, please email AEF at info@alamedaeducation.org.
Alameda Asteroids Cross Country Running Club
Grades: 6-8
Provider: AEF with Debra Cramer & Don Porteous
Location: Lower Washington Park
Week Days: Mon. - Thu.
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Start/End Dates: Aug 28- Oct. 30 (No Practice Sep. 4, 20, Oct. 4, 9, 11, 18, 26)
Camp Fee: $175
Materials Fee: $0
The program takes place Monday through Thursday after school at Lower Washington Park. Middle school students will be introduced to cross country running with the hope that they'll develop a life-long love of running and keeping fit. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 2 practices per week, and may have the opportunity to attend 1 or 2 meets. More information will be provided by Debra Cramer once the club starts. Each student must provide their own running shoes and wear comfortable clothing suitable for training and running. On Debra Cramer and Don Porteous: Don brings his wealth of experience as the EHS Cross Country running coach. Debra has a Level 1 coaching qualification with the USA Track & Field Assoc. They both have decades of running experience & compete in the Pacific Association USA-TF cross country and road races.
What People Are Saying
Thanks Coach Debra for these photos; and thank you for the entire season where you have been an amazing coach/mentor and friend to our kids.
Thank YOU so much for a great season! My student enjoyed the program so much, he is really motivated to continue running.
Thank you again for the great season. My son says he would like to run in the spring (and summer!). We’re glad he found something he likes to do.
Thank you for hosting a fabulous meet. My student’s team had a blast on the very scenic course.
My son has gained a lot of confidence and enjoys running, thanks to this program. We are very grateful to you and Don for offering this opportunity to the kids. Thank you so much.
Your program is amazing! Thanks for showing these kids all the fun of XC!!! I appreciate that you do all that on top of coaching the kids, organizing the meets, and figuring out the carpool. My son has gained a lot of confidence and enjoys running, thanks to this program. We are very grateful to you and Don for offering this opportunity to the kids. Thank you so much.
Thanks so much for your dedication! Love the character building and fitness for my student.
“Hi Coach Debra! I just wanted to tell you thank you for everything. From how much I’ve improved to the knowledge I’ve learned. I have to admit that in the beginning, I wasn’t the most excited about running, but the more I kept going the less I complained and started looking forward to it. Running is a mental sport that requires a strong, positive mindset rather than a fast body. sin this is the case, I find that you’re an extremely admirable person for your commitment to this sport that brings … Read more
