Practices
We are now located near Knoxville, TN!
Club start date Fall approx: October 30th
Additional practice dates/details/CHANGES will be loaded to our team app SportsYou.
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October 30th: 3:45pm-5pm Victor Ashe
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October 31st: 3:45pm-5pm Victor Ashe
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November 3rd: 3:45pm-5pm Alcoa G
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November 4th: 3:45pm-5pm Victor Ashe
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November 7th: 3:45pm-5pm Victor Ashe
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November 10th/11th/13th/14th 3:45pm-5pm Victor Ashe (schedule resumes in SY calendar)
Practice Locations
Practices are held at the following locations:
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Victor Ashe Park in Knoxville, TN
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The Yates' in Rockford, TN
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Alcoa Greenway Trail (Greenway Bike Path) Williams Mill Rd and Old Knoxville Hwy
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Schedule details/directions are updated in our SportsYou team app!
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OUR VENMO:
Meets
Meets are held at various locations and some out of state travel is required. Schedule information is in our team SportsYou app and on the "seasons page."
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This season will be from October 30th-December 14th.
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Indoor Track Season coming soon... January- February. TSSAA official outdoor track Practice dates February 9th.
Who This is For
2025 Youth Age Groups
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8 & Under: Born in 2017, 2018, or 2019
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9-10: Born in 2015 or 2016
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11-12: Born in 2013 or 2014
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13-14: Born in 2011 or 2012
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15-16: Born in 2009 or 2010
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17-18: Born in 2007 or 2008
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We are currently looking for girls interested in this age group for the XC season
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This program is specifically for those wanting to compete in racing at a focused, competition level. Although this program is competitive, we will help you grow, have fun and achieve your goals!
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I will divide out the group based on ages/goals.
ZERO Tolerance Policy:
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Abuse and harassment
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Violence and misconduct
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Disruptive behavior (this includes ANY actions that take away from teammates or the coach or assistants). ​
Our History
1
Our Beginning
MMXC started in the Fall of 2023 as Coach Michele envisioned youth running for the mountain community.
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2023 Success
Several athletes qualified individually for the Regional XC Meet and one for the National XC Meet. Everyone improved with personal bests throughout the season.
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2024 Indoor Track
The kids didn't stop there. Several continued into the indoor track season with ALL earning personal bests by season's end. Including one state champion at multiple events and numerous top 3 finishes at the State Meet. 2025 saw continued success with numerous Personal Bests and national qualifiers.
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Vision
To create a fun, educational, supportive youth running program that continues to help young athletes grow individually in athletics and life.

Meet the Coach
Michele Yates
For over two decades, Michele has dedicated herself to coaching runners at every level, from beginners running their first race at age six to elite athletes who have proudly represented the USA and Canadian National Teams on the world stage. Her athletes have achieved remarkable success, including a 4th-place finish at the World Championships. Michele's extensive experience spans group training, youth fitness programs, individual coaching, fitness club management, and personal studio operations. Her comprehensive background allows her to provide expert guidance in nutrition, cardiovascular training, core strength, flexibility, and running technique—empowering every athlete to reach their full potential.
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Michele's athletic foundation was built at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), where she graduated in May 2005 with a degree in Kinesiological Sciences, concentrating in fitness management. During her collegiate career, she was a standout member of the UNLV Cross Country and Track teams, breaking school records in both the indoor 5K and Steeplechase. Her academic excellence, combined with competitive experience, laid the groundwork for her future success as both an athlete and a coach.
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Following college, Michele's professional running career demonstrated remarkable versatility and success across distances from 5K to 100 miles on both roads and trails. Her notable achievements include 10 road marathon wins, numerous course records, two Olympic Trials qualifications in the road marathon, and being named Ultra Runner of the Year by Ultrarunning Magazine. As a four-time USA Track & Field National Champion, she has represented Team USA at multiple World and NACAC Championships. Her impressive accomplishments reflect the dedication, skill, and passion she applies to every aspect of running.
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QUESTIONS? Please email Michele@ruggedrunning.com
Coach Michele with Great Colorado Assistant Coach Kyla e
Growth




