Cross Country

The Sycamore cross-country athletes are running machines; they sweat commitment and bleed passion. And their hard work shows both on the course and in the classroom. In the 2014 season, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) named both the Indiana State men’s and women’s cross-country teams an All-Academic Team. The competition is fierce with the NCAA Division I teams, but the Sycamores prove to be consistent top runners in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Most runners get into the zone and block everything out – everything except that finish line. However, every Indiana State runner will confess that when they feel the heat start to sputter out, it’s the fans applauding and cheering that give them the second wind.

Built on a reclaimed coal mine, the nationally-acclaimed LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course hosts multiple championship meets, including several NCAA regional tournaments, along with the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships in 2002, from 2004-2011, and from 2013-present.

With an external loop of three kilometers and four internal loops, LaVern Gibson hosts races of varying lengths. Part of the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, just east of the Terre Haute International Airport, Indiana State’s Sycamores use the course for home meets.

LaVern Gibson has three entrance gates, which typically charge a $5 entry fee. Sometimes these fees can vary, depending on the event. Food and drink are usually permitted, though pets are not allowed. For more information call the box office at (877) ISU-TIXS (478-8497) or stop in Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.