Brandywine Cross Country Summer 2026

 Happy Summer!

Welcome to all our Newcomers!  Please take a minute to fill out this information sheet if you are new to BHSXC.  CLICK HERE

  Click HERE for your summer mileage guide. If you hit Week 8 before August 17th, simply repeat that last week until preseason begins.  

New Shoes:  Everyone should start their summer training in a new pair of running shoes.  I recommend the Delaware Running Company in Greenville.  They are staffed by runners, give a discount to high school athletes, and have the best return policy around.  If a new pair of shoes are not working for you in the first 30 days, they will replace them.  Click HERE for store information.

Running Watch: If possible, we would like every runner to purchase a running watch to be used in training.  It does NOT have to be a fancy one with GPS.  You only need the stopwatch function.  If you would like to invest in one with GPS features, that is fine too.  Below are some examples of running watches in each category.

Timex Ironman Watch

Garmin Smart Watches 

Fitbit training watches

Apple watches

Strength Training We would like every runner to incorporate some strength training into their summer routine.  Click HERE for a great article on how to get started.

State parks are great places to run in the summer.  Lots of trails and shade.  Please keep in mind that there is a fee to enter the parks.  The fee season runs through November so you may want to purchase a pass for your vehicle.  Please note, the State Parks recently increased their prices.  The pass will pay for itself after ten visits.  This is the first price hike in ten years.   Click HERE for information or visit any park office.

First Day of Practice:  Monday August 17th 8AM Location to be announced at later date.

Eligibility:  You must have a current DIAA Sports Physical on file with the BHS nurse BEFORE the first day of practice.  The physical must be dated after 4/1/26.     Click HERE for a copy of the form  Please do not wait until August to schedule your physical.  You cannot practice without one.

Communication:  Brandywine uses the Band App for all Sports Communications.  For newcomers, use the QR code below to join.  This is for athletes and parents.

 

Email me with any questions! That's All for Now!  

Happy Running!!!!

Coach Flanagan

michelleluceyflanagan@gmail.com

Reindeer Packet Pick-Up

 Hi Fellow Reindeer!

We have our largest team ever with 25 athletes, family, and Alum joining us!  I will be heading to Newark on Thursday morning to pick up packets.  I am happy to pick up everyone's packets and bring them to the Banquet on Thursday night.  This will save you waiting in the line on Friday night.

Please let me know if you would like me to pick up your packet.  There are two team members that I do not recognize:  Stephanie Doyle and Robert Carlisle.  If they are connected to you and you would like me to grab their packets, let me know.

I'm going to email the Special Olympics office tomorrow so they can pull our packets beforehand so please let me know by tomorrow if you'd like me to grab yours.

It will be COLD on Friday night but thankfully it will be dry.  Dress warmly in Festive Layers. The shirts are always super cute so you can always wear that on the outside of your layers.  We will meet for our team picture in front of the fire house at 6:30PM.  They have a tent for photos.  We would like ALL TEAM MEMBERS (parents, friends, etc) in the picture.

SODE emailed all registrants today with parking info.  We have parked behind Pearson Hall for the last few years.  It's an academic building right off Academy Street.  It is not listed on the parking map but lots of Reindeer park there.  It's close to the starting line as well.  Directions to lot are here if you want to park there.  I suggest you plan on arriving by 6:15 at the latest.  You can stay warm in your cars until it's time for our Team Picture.  

Thanks so much for supporting such a great cause.  Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Banquet and at the Race!

End of Season Wrap-Up

 Hi Everyone!

It's hard to believe our season is over! We had a great day at States despite some unseasonably warm temperatures.  I believe that every bulldog left it all on the course and that's all we can ask for as coaches.  Congrats to Angelina who finished 10th in D2 earning a spot on Second Team All State.  

End of Season Banquet

Thursday December 4th at 6PM in the BHS Cafeteria.  

We are looking for a few parents to help with decorating and check-in.  Please message me in Band if you are able to help.

Click HERE for our Reservation Form

Reservations are due by Sunday 11/23.  

I would like all athletes to fill out this quick end of season survey:  CLICK HERE

SENIORS, please take a minute to complete this form:  CLICK HERE

The Reindeer Run for Special Olympics

 

Friday, Dec 5, 2025

31 Academy St., Newark, DE

Race Start: 7:00 p.m.

Every Sports Team at BHS supports a Charity of their choosing.  The XC team is once again supporting Special Olympics Delaware by participating in the Reindeer Run.  We encourage all athletes and family members to join us.  There is a 5K run and a 5K Walk so all are welcome!  This year they are also having a Costume Contest. Break out the antlers and holiday bling.   CLICK HERE for our TEAM PAGE  For the parents or family members planning to WALK with us, if you want to be Timed, sign up as a RUNNER.  If you choose Walker, you will not get an official finishing time.

$35 starting November 1

Pre-registration only. Closes November 29. No walk-up registration.

I will pick up all the race packets and bring them to our Banquet

Last Week of the Season!

 Hi Everyone!

Sorry for the delayed post.  It's hard to believe it's the last week of the season!  Time flies when you are working hard and having fun.  Even though we can only run our Varsity at Saturday's State Meet, all athletes are welcome to join us at practice.  We also encourage all athletes to come to the meet on Saturday to support your teammates.

Before we get started with our schedule, we need to recognize some outstanding Bulldog performances the past two weeks!  Angelina repeated as Blue Hen Champion and is one of only two seniors this year to earn Four Times All County!  She finished 19th out of 171 runners.

We had some HUGE PR's as well.  

Liam dropped 1:32 as he cruised to the finish in 25:09

Hayden shaved 1:07 off his previous best finishing in 22:31

Blake finished his season dropping 59 seconds to finish in 22:29

Stephen had a breakthrough race dropping 42 seconds to finish as the #2 Bulldog in 20:22

At Last week's Blue Hen Meet, Enid earned All Conference honors while setting a new PR of 22:34

See below for this week's schedule and other reminders:

Tuesday 11/4 and Wednesday 11/5:  Bellevue  1:45 Dismissal    2:00 Bus   

4:00-4:15 Pickup

Thursday 11/6 and Friday 11/7:  SCHOOL  Pickup 4:00-4:15

Saturday 11/8:  State Championship Meet at Killens Pond State Park

Bus Leaves BHS at 9:30 AM

Event Schedule:  BRANDYWINE is DIVISION 2

Division 1 Girls 1:00 pm

Division 2 Girls 1:40 pm

Division 1 Boys 2:20 pm

Division 2 Boys 3:00 pm

Looking Ahead

End of Season Banquet

Thursday December 4th at 6PM in the BHS Cafeteria 

Athletes are FREE

Parents and other Guests:  $15

Catered by the BHS Culinary Program

We will be reaching out for parent volunteers to help with decorating and check-in

The Reindeer Run for Special Olympics

 

Friday, Dec 5, 2025

31 Academy St., Newark, DE

Race Start: 7:00 p.m.

Every Sports Team at BHS supports a Charity of their choosing.  The XC team is once again supporting Special Olympics Delaware by participating in the Reindeer Run.  We encourage all athletes and family members to join us.  There is a 5K run and a 5K Walk so all are welcome!  This year they are also having a Costume Contest. The bulldogs will be wearing Ugly Holiday Sweaters.  I have extra if you don't own one.   CLICK HERE for our TEAM PAGE  For the parents or family members planning to WALK with us, if you want to be Timed, sign up as a RUNNER.  If you choose Walker, you will not get an official finishing time.

$30 through October 31

$35 starting November 1

Pre-registration only. Closes November 29. No walk-up registration.

I will pick up all the race packets and bring them to our Banquet

That's all for now!  Go Bulldogs!

Brandywine High School Open House

It was great to see so many people at Brandywine's Open House today!  If you would like more information about our program, please send me an email:  michelleluceyflanagan@gmail.com

For those of you who gave me your contact info, I will send out an email this Spring with information on our summer training program.  In the meantime, don't hesitate to email me with any questions.  

Feel free to poke around this blog so you can get a feel for our program.  We have a great group of runners returning next season and we look forward to having you join us!

Go Bulldogs!

BHSXC Weeks 10 & 11

 Hi Everyone!

Thanks again to all the parents who helped out at the Joe O'Neill Invitational.  Donations, Shirt Sales, Concessions, Finish Chute, Clean-up...It takes a village. 

 Just about every bulldog ran a Season PR on Friday.  Kudos to Angelina who finished 16th out of 247 runners.  She snagged a coveted t-shirt as she crossed the line in 19:40.

See below for our Practice/Meet Schedule for the next two weeks:

Monday 10/20:  Bellevue

Dismissal 1:45    Bus Leaves at 2:00   Pickup by 4:30

Tuesday 10/21:  SCHOOL

Meet on track at 2:45.  Pickup after the Middle School meet around 4:45

We are hosting a Middle School XC meet on our school campus for P.S/Talley/Springer.  Our athletes will be working at the meet helping with scoring and making sure that runners stay on the course. 

Wednesday 10/22 and Thursday 10/23:  SCHOOL

Meet on track by 2:45.  Practice will end by 4:15-4:30 

Thursday 10/23:  Team Dinner Hosted by Stephen's Family

The Team will walk to Stephen's after practice. His neighborhood is right next to the school. 

2403 East Heather Road

Wilmington, DE 19803

Friday 10/24:  The Blue Hen Conference Championships at Bellevue 

Dismissal 1:00    Bus Leaves at 1:15 

Event Schedule:

3:30 PM:       Boys Varsity/Junior Varsity Race - 1 Race (Combined)

4:00 PM:       Girls Varsity/Junior Varsity Race - 1 Race (Combined)

5:00 PM:       Awards Ceremony

Senior Recognition

We will be celebrating our SENIORS at the conclusion of the two races.  All families are invited to join us in the Pavilion closest to the Starting Line for some light refreshments

Saturday 10/25:  No Practice

Run 30-40 minute shake out run on your own

Sunday 10/26:  Day of Rest

Monday 10/27: Bellevue

Dismissal 1:45    Bus Leaves at 2:00   Pickup by 4:30-4:45

Tuesday 10/28:  SCHOOL

Meet on Track by 2:45  Practice will end by 4:15-4:30

Wednesday 10/29: Bellevue

Dismissal 1:45    Bus Leaves at 2:00   Pickup by 4:30-4:45

Thursday 10/30-Friday 10/31:  School

Meet on Track at 2:45.  Practice will end by 4:15-4:30

Costumes welcome on Halloween as long as you can run in them!

Saturday 11/1:  The New Castle County Championships at Bellevue

There is NO BUS.  JV BOYS must arrive at the park by 10 AM.  All other athletes must arrive by 10:30.  EXPECT TRAFFIC.  Parking is available at the Bellevue Corporate Center if the Park lots are full.  More parking will open up after the JR. High parents exit the park.

There is an OLD TIMERS RUN if any parents are interested in running.  No entry fee.  Let me know if you are running and I will give your a BHS jersey to wear.  Click HERE to Enter

RACE SCHEDULE

9:00 AM    JR High Girls - Grades 5-8

9:30 AM    JR High Boys - Grades 5-8

10:00 AM    Old Timers Run

11:00 AM    Girls Junior Varsity Race

11:40 AM    Boys Junior Varsity Race

12:15 PM    Girls Varsity Race

12:45 PM    Boys Varsity Race

1:30 PM      Awards Ceremony

Sunday 11/2:  Day of Rest

Looking Ahead:

Monday 11/3:  NO SCHOOL/ Practice at KILLENS  Bus leaves BHS at 8AM

This is MANDATORY for all athletes running the State Meet (Top 7)  All other bulldogs are welcome to attend.

SAVE THE DATES

End of Season Banquet

Thursday December 4th at 6PM in the BHS Cafeteria (more info will follow at a later date)

The Reindeer Run for Special Olympics

 

Friday, Dec 5, 2025

31 Academy St., Newark, DE

Race Start: 7:00 p.m.

Every Sports Team at BHS supports a Charity of their choosing.  The XC team is once again supporting Special Olympics Delaware by participating in the Reindeer Run.  We encourage all athletes and family members to join us.  There is a 5K run and a 5K Walk so all are welcome!  This year they are also having a Costume Contest. The bulldogs will be wearing Ugly Holiday Sweaters.  I have extra if you don't own one.   There is EARLY BIRD PRICING for the Race that Ends on 10/31.  CLICK HERE for our TEAM PAGE  For the parents or family members planning to WALK with us, if you want to be Timed, sign up as a RUNNER.  If you choose Walker, you will not get an official finishing time.

$30 through October 31

$35 starting November 1

Pre-registration only. Closes November 29. No walk-up registration.

I will pick up all the race packets and bring them to our Banquet

BHSXC Weeks 9 & 10

 Hi Everyone!

We had a fantastic week of racing and training.  Every bulldog posted a season PR at the Tidewater Classic this past Wednesday!  Kudos to Angelina for finishing 5th overall adding another medal to her season collection.  

See below for our upcoming schedule and other important information:

Monday 10/6:  Bellevue

1:45 dismissal/ 2PM bus  

Pickup by 4:30PM

Tuesday 10/7:  School

Meet on track by 2:45  Pickup 4:15-4:30

Wednesday 10/8:  Meet with Dickinson and Concord at Dickinson

Dismissal 1:45/ 2PM Bus 

(keep an eye on Band as I suspect they will change this and make us leave earlier)

The course Starts and Finishes at Dickinson High School  Boys 3:30/ Girls 3:40

THERE IS A 5PM RETURN BUS. For parents not attending the meet, we will send message in Band when we leave Dickinson.

Thursday 10/9:  School

Meet on track by 2:45  Pickup 4:15-4:30

Friday 10/10:  NO School

NO SCHOOL:  We will NOT be meeting for practice. All athletes should run 30-40 minutes followed by 4 good striders.

Saturday 10/11:  Bellevue State Park  8AM-9:45AM

Sunday 10/12:  Day of Rest

Monday 10/13: School

Meet on track by 2:45  Pickup 4:15-4:30

Tuesday 10/14:  School

Meet on track by 2:45  Pickup 4:15-4:30

Wednesday 10/15: Bellevue

1:45 dismissal/ 2PM bus   Pickup by 4:30PM

Thursday 10/16:  School

Meet on track by 2:45  Pickup 4:15-4:30

Friday 10/17:  The Joe O'Neill Invitational at Bellevue State Park

THERE IS NO SCHOOL THIS DAY.  Athletes must arrive at park no later than 1:30PM. 

This is a LARGE meet.  There will be lots of traffic entering the park.

Varsity Boys 3:00 / Varsity Girls 3:30/ JV boys 4:00/ JV girls 4:30

We will be selling shirts and Concessions at the Meet.  Click HERE if you are able to help.

Saturday 10/18:  No Practice  30-40 minute Shake Out Run on own

Sunday 10/19:  Day of Rest

Attention SENIOR PARENTS:  We will be having our Senior Recognition at the Blue Hen Conference Meet on Friday 10/24.  We hope you all can make it.  All parents and athletes are invited to join in some light refreshments after the meet as we celebrate our 10 Seniors