This week on the DELCO XC Podcast, Coach Kee gives you a look behind the scenes with “The Life of Coach Kee” — sharing some fun tidbits, stories, and experiences from coaching at a non-DELCO school with Lower Merion.

Then, we're going back to the basics with Cross Country 101! New to the sport? New XC parent? Just trying to figure out why everyone is standing around in a field waiting for runners to disappear into the woods? We've got you covered! We'll break down how cross country scoring works, what spectators and parents should expect at a meet, and how to attend and enjoy a race.

Finally, it's time for the ultimate DELCO class battle! We take a look at the Sophomore vs. Junior vs. Senior classes and ask: Which class has the most depth in Delaware County? We'll compare the top runners, build hypothetical teams, and see which class comes out on top — boys AND girls!

And of course, a huge thank you to this episode's sponsors:

📿 DELCO Beads — Follow @DELCO_beads on Instagram and show off your DELCO pride!

👟 Ridley Running Company — Supporting the local running community and helping runners get where they're going.

So whether you're a seasoned XC parent, a first-time spectator, a coach, or just someone who loves Delaware County cross country, this episode has something for you!

Listen, follow, and subscribe to the DELCO XC Podcast!

Some people leave an impact on your life without ever realizing just how much they meant to you. Harry Chaykun was one of those people.

This is a thank-you to Harry Chaykun, to Terry Toohey, and to everyone who has used their voice to make young athletes feel like they matter.

Because the people who inspire us don't ever really leave us. We carry pieces of them forward—and sometimes, we carry their stories, too.

From Harry's Granddaughter:

My goal is to gather as many stories as possible and create something that I can sit beside my grandad and show him.I want him to see the faces.I want him to hear the stories.I want him to understand just how many lives he touched.Because for decades, Harry told everyone else’s stories.Now I want to tell his.I want my grandad to know that the work he dedicated his entire life to mattered.That the athletes he believed in remember him.That the stories he wrote mattered.That the countless hours he spent on the sidelines mattered.And most importantly, that he mattered.To my grandad, you spent a lifetime making sure other people got their moment.Now it’s your turn.Let’s come together as a community and give Harry Chaykun the moment he deserves. If you have a story, memory, photo, article, video, or anything else you’d like to share, please message me directly. You can also email me at madison@lifeofmadison.com. Please share this far and wide.

For Harry.

The 2025 cross country season was only the beginning.

Delaware County’s sophore class has already shown flashes of what could be a massive transformation. From standout performances to developing depth, this group has the talent, experience, and potential to reshape Delco XC in 2026.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the girls and boys from Delco’s 2025 freshman class and look ahead to what could happen after a summer of training, growth, and confidence-building.

We spotlight emerging stars like Cayla Gaffney, Jessica DeMaio, Nick Kane, Oliver Brody, Colin Park, Rudy Goerke, and many more, while examining the young groups at Strath Haven, Marple Newtown, Garnet Valley, Episcopal Academy, The Haverford School, Radnor, Penncrest, and programs throughout Delaware County.

Because the jump from freshman to sophomore year can change everything.

More strength.
More confidence.
More racing experience.
More belief.

The summer miles are coming. And by October 2026, some of these promising freshmen could be leading the next era of Delaware County cross country.

The future of Delco XC is already here.

Cross country is a sport built on pushing limits—but sometimes the most important race is the one happening inside your head. In this episode of the DELCO XC Podcast, we take a deeper look at the importance of mental health and mindfulness for cross country athletes.

Because cross country is about more than times, places, PRs, and medals. The goal is to build athletes who are mentally strong, resilient, and able to enjoy the journey.

Run hard. Breathe. Be present. And remember: you are more than a stopwatch.

The wait is over—Season 4 of the DELCO XC Podcast is here!

In one of the most anticipated episodes of the offseason, Kevin unveils his Way-Too-Early 2026 Delaware County Cross Country Team Rankings, counting down the preseason Top 10 boys and girls teams heading into the fall.

From powerhouse programs like Penncrest, Haverford, and Episcopal Academy to rising contenders ready to make a leap, every ranking is based on returning talent, varsity depth, and each program's potential entering the 2026 season.

In this episode:

• 🏃 Boys & Girls Preseason Top 10 Rankings
• 🔥 Which teams have the highest ceilings?
• 👀 Biggest storylines heading into the season
• 📈 Programs poised to surprise Delco
• 📱 Updates on Instagram takeovers and a major DELCO XC announcement
• 🎙️ A new way for athletes to be part of the podcast this season

These rankings are only the beginning—and they'll certainly spark some debate.

Do you agree with the rankings? Who's too high? Too low? Who did we miss?

Follow @DELCOXCPod on Instagram for offseason coverage, athlete spotlights, takeovers, and more as we count down to the opening race of the 2026 cross country season.

Keep running, Delco. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🎙️

Reaction to the course change for PIAA Championships beginning Fall 2026!

In this special edition of the DELCO XC Podcast, we hit pause on predictions, rankings, and race breakdowns — and shift the focus to what truly matters: appreciation.
This episode is a love letter to DELCO cross country. To the miles, the mud, the struggle, the community, the laughter, the heartbreak, and the joy. It’s about the athletes who define the culture, the coaches who give everything, the parents who show up no matter what, and the county that has always been built different.
We also unveil the unofficial DELCO 20 — the twenty athletes who embodied grit, presence, leadership, and identity this season. Because this sport is bigger than times. Bigger than medals. Bigger than lists.
It’s for the love of the sport — and for the people who make DELCO cross country what it is.

In this episode of the DELCO XC Podcast, we break down the PIAA State Championships — where every stride is earned and every finish means something. From breakout performances to unforgettable displays of resilience, Delco athletes once again proved that toughness is more than a mindset — it’s our identity.

We highlight standout races from Sloane Smith’s historic finish, to Haverford’s team-first heart, to the grit shown by individuals across the county pushing through adversity. From AAA to A, boys and girls, this episode captures the pride, the edge, and the tradition that makes Delco running built different.