A Legacy of Youth Running
Cross country teaches more than fitness—it builds resilience, discipline, and team spirit. For young runners, it’s a foundation for health, confidence, and leadership.
The Wyoming Valley Striders have been a cornerstone of running in NEPA since the 1970s. One of our proudest traditions is our commitment to youth development through cross country.
Known as the unofficial kickoff to the local cross country season, the Wyoming Valley Striders Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial High School Cross Country Races is held each year over Labor Day weekend. And this year, it’s a double milestone: as the Striders celebrate our 50th anniversary as a running club, the invitational also marks its 50th annual race!
The 2025 event will take place on Saturday, August 30, and remains one of the region’s longest-standing youth cross country meets. Originally held at Kirby Park, the race is now run at East 42nd Street in Dallas, the home course of Misericordia University.
What Makes the Cliff Robbins Invitational Unique
With four races for grades 7–12, this meet offers:
- Early-season race experience on a fair, marked course
- A chance to gauge team and individual progress
- Connection with schools and runners across the region
- Participation in a tradition spanning generations
No team awards are given—this meet was designed to test early-season racing fitness without the pressure of team scoring. Whether you’re a coach building momentum or a supporter of youth athletics, the Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial is the race that brings it all together.
Hanover Area Strong
As current members of the Hanover Area cross country and track teams, and past participants in the Cliff Robbins meets, Joseph Bly (9th grade), Kingston Pollock (8th grade), and Preston Zadzura (11th grade) continue to expand their running résumés and took on the WVS Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run this past April.
Athlete Spotlight – Sarah Williams
We spoke with one athlete who has competed in the Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial every year since seventh grade, when she first joined the Dallas cross country team and began her running journey. Since then, she has become a three-time district medalist, three-time state qualifier, and earned a state medal in 2023 and 2024.
“Honestly, I joined the cross country team because my mom insisted I pick a sport in middle school. I stayed because I really connected with my teammates. We became close friends and constant supporters of each other. I also quickly gained confidence and liked the energy release I needed from academics and life stresses.”
Sarah’s first race at Cliff Robbins marked the beginning of a dedicated and rewarding path in distance running. Season after season, she grew stronger, becoming both a team leader and standout athlete. Her passion, consistency, and commitment to the sport have earned her the opportunity to compete at the next level.
This fall, Sarah will attend East Stroudsburg University, where she’ll continue her running career on both the cross country and track teams. At the end of the 2024 cross country season, she was honored with the Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches’ Cross Country Scholarship—a testament to her hard work and growth as both an athlete and teammate.
Sarah’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when young athletes are encouraged to get involved early and supported along the way. We are also proud to celebrate her achievement as the Open Division winner of the 2022 Vince Wojnar Triple Crown!
Ready to Run?
Let’s help the next generation fall in love with the sport—and keep this incredible tradition going strong for another 50 years.
Be the inspiration! Encourage someone to join their school’s cross country team and experience the many benefits of running. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or student, your support can make all the difference.
Learn more about the Wyoming Valley Striders and our other races by visiting our website.
*Featured image: 1984 Cliff Robbins Memorial winners with members of the Robbins family, capturing a moment from the event’s rich history.
