TCC cross country trail hosts first official meets, marking major milestone

This season marks a major milestone for the Tuscarawas Central Catholic cross country trail. What began last year as a vision and a winding mile-long path has grown into a fully laid 2-mile and 3.1-mile course ready to host official competitions. After months of preparation, the trail saw its first high school and junior high meet this fall.

TCC was selected to host the 2025 All-County high school and junior high championship meet, welcoming every team in Tuscarawas County. The event served as the first official showcase of the full course. The Biddy cross country team also returned to the trail this season, holding two meets on the original 1-mile course.

The program continues to build toward the inaugural Saints Scramble, now scheduled for 2026. Organizers delayed the launch to allow time to secure a timing system, permanent course markings, awards and concessions.

Preparation of the trail included a July workday when athletes, parents, Head Coach Eric Debolt and his father cleared debris, mowed, measured and finalized the layouts for the 2-mile and 5K courses. Their work ensured the course was competition ready.

Over the past year, the trail has been used by the cross country program, and also by other TCC athletic teams and classroom groups as a nature and walking trail. School leaders say the facility is becoming a valued multi-use resource for both the school and the community.

“This year will be remembered as the moment the course began fulfilling its purpose — not just as a training trail, but as a host for meets that bring our athletic community together,” Debolt said. “With each event held, we move closer to the vision of an annual Saints Scramble that will draw teams from all over the area.”

TCC officials thanked volunteers, athletes and supporters for helping make the trail a reality.