Foundation Academy is excited to announce the return of the Foundation Academy Lion Invitational, our premier cross country event after a five-year hiatus. Hosted on the scenic Foundation Academy Tilden Campus in Winter Garden, Florida, this year’s cross country meet signifies a new era for our athletics department under a talented and dedicated leadership team. The Invitational will bring together top high school cross country teams from across Central Florida, making this event one of the most anticipated high school sports events of the fall season.

Foundation Academy Athletics Leadership: Building a Legacy

The revival of the Lion Invitational coincides with a new chapter for Foundation Academy Athletics under the leadership of our visionary Athletic Director Robert East. With a focus on creating a top-tier athletics program, Robert East is joined by Associate Athletic Director Krystal Thomas Smith, Assistant Athletic Director Dakoda Grove, and Athletics Administrative Assistant Abigail Reburn, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the event’s success and is also a former Cross Country runner at Palm Beach Atlantic.

Our cross country coaches, Lisa Amat and James Grosshans, have been preparing our Foundation Academy Lions for months. Their dedication to training, teamwork, and personal growth has inspired our athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence.

Race Day Timeline: An Action-Packed Morning

Join us for an exciting morning of cross country races as we welcome teams from across Central Florida to compete on our challenging course. The schedule for the day is as follows:

5:30 am – Gates Open: Spectators and teams can start arriving, and teams can set up their tents on the practice field at the east end of the football field.
6:45 am – Coaches Meeting: Coaches from all participating schools will meet to review the day’s logistics and confirm race details.
7:10 am – Prayer & National Anthem: As a faith-based institution, Foundation Academy will begin the event with a moment of reflection and the singing of the National Anthem.
7:15 am – Boys Varsity Race: The first event of the day is the boys varsity race, where the top runners from each school will compete for individual and team honors.
7:45 am – Girls Varsity Race: Following the boys, the girls varsity race will feature talented athletes ready to showcase their endurance and speed.
8:30 am – Combined JV Race: The final race of the day will be the combined JV race, offering younger athletes the opportunity to gain valuable experience and compete alongside their peers.

After the final race, an awards ceremony will recognize the top teams and individual performers.

Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence

The Foundation Academy Lion Invitational will honor the hard work and dedication of the athletes with a range of awards, including:

Team Champion and Runners-Up Trophies: The top-performing boys and girls varsity teams will receive trophies celebrating their success.
Individual Medals: Medals will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each varsity race and the top 10 finishers in the JV race. These medals represent not only athletic skill but also the perseverance and determination of the runners.

Event Details: What to Expect

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators, the following logistical details have been organized:

Tent Setup: Teams will set up tents on the practice field at the east end of the football field. This area will serve as a team base, allowing runners to rest between races and supporters to cheer them on.
Packet Pickup: Race packets, including bib numbers and other essential information, will be available for pickup near the concession stand.
Concession Stand: The concession stand will be open throughout the event, offering refreshments and snacks to keep everyone fueled.
Parking: On-site parking is available for $10, and attendees are encouraged to pre-pay using this link: Parking Payment Link.

The Course: A True Cross Country Challenge

The cross country course at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus is designed to challenge athletes both mentally and physically. Featuring a mix of flat terrain, rolling hills, and sharp turns, the course tests each runner’s ability to maintain speed and endurance. The athletes will navigate grassy fields, wooded areas, and several elevation changes, creating a well-rounded and exciting race experience.

This course has been designed to push even the most seasoned high school cross country runners while also providing a fair and competitive environment for younger athletes. Whether it’s a varsity or JV runner, the Lion Invitational course promises to deliver an exhilarating race.

Competing Schools: A Strong Field from Across Central Florida

This year’s Foundation Academy Lion Invitational has drawn strong competition from some of the top high school cross country programs in Central Florida. Participating schools include:

With such a competitive lineup, the races are sure to be thrilling and filled with incredible performances from some of the region’s best athletes.

A Historic Return for Foundation Academy Cross Country

The return of the Foundation Academy Lion Invitational is a momentous occasion for the school’s athletic program. After a five-year absence, the Invitational marks the beginning of what the new athletics leadership team hopes will be a long-standing tradition of excellence in cross country at Foundation Academy. Led by Athletic Director Robert East and his dedicated team, the future of Foundation Academy athletics is bright.

This event is not only about competition but also about building community and celebrating the hard work of student-athletes. The Lion Invitational embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork that Foundation Academy holds dear.

Join Us for the Foundation Academy Lion Invitational

We invite all parents, supporters, and fans of high school cross country to join us for this exciting event. Experience the thrill of race day, cheer on your favorite athletes, and be a part of the Foundation Academy Lion Invitational as we bring cross country back to our school.

Be sure to pre-pay for parking at Parking Payment Link, and arrive early to secure your spot for a fantastic day of racing. We look forward to seeing you there!