The Concordia Parish School Board has recently aided Vidalia High School, Ferriday High and Monterey High in forming varsity cross country teams.

Superintendent Whest Shirley presented the idea to board members during a meeting on Sept. 14, and Shirley said it did not take much time for the teams to form after that.

Shirley said with a handful of individuals interested, the schools then contacted the Louisiana High School Athletic Association to become official.

“There was lot of paperwork involved,” Shirley said. “They had to present birth certificates and proof of residence, but we got on it.”

Shirley said after being hired as superintendent this past June, he did not want to waste any time.

“From my understanding, we have never had a cross country team in Concordia,” he said. “It’s all about getting the kids involved and able to compete in something. A lot of them do other things, but they all can run.”

Vidalia boys basketball coach Robert Sanders has taken the reins as the Vikings’ cross country coach, having previous experience with running and coaching track.

Sanders said Vidalia has currently about 16 members to its team ready to compete in its first official meet today at Natchez High.

“The majority of my boys and girls are basketball players,” Sanders said. “We are using it as a conditioning tool. I’m hoping it teaches them mental toughness, and it will also help them get in better shape.”

Sanders said he also has one baseball and softball player each represented on the team, while all are eager to get started.

“This is a historic moment for Vidalia High School,” Sanders said. “We have our hands full, but we will try to do our best.”

While five members are required for schools to compete as a team, Shirley said Ferriday currently has just one member who will compete today as an individual.

Shirley said Monterey held tryouts last Friday and has about a dozen members on the team.