Wings’ National Team personifies the organization’s philosophy of youth development year after year. Selected for their exemplary performance both on and off the cross-country course, team members consistently give Native America something to be proud of. Hailing from across Indian Country, these high-school-aged student-athletes have come together to capture 36 national team titles since Wings first sponsored men’s and women’s team in 1988. With these victories in mind, the organization works to elevate the level of consciousness, competition and accountability amongst the youth we serve throughout the year.
From 1988 through 2025, Wings sent the National Team to compete in the “Junior Division” at the USA Cross Country Championships. Starting in the fall of 2025, however, Wings has decided to start sending our National squad to the RunningLane Cross Country Championships in Huntsville, AL. The race directors have graciously agreed to offer the Wings National Team a 21st spot in the “Gold Division” races at this elite-level post-season meet. The National Team selection process will once again look to seed time run by Native high school runners at Nike Cross Regional meets held after the regular cross country season. To learn more about how to qualify for the 2025 Wings National Team, visit our 2025 Wings National Team Application.
Program Objectives:
» Select a men and women’s team of Junior student-athletes (ages 14-18) from amongst the Nation’s best Native American runners in the United States.
» Provide race registration and lodging assistance to promising Native high school runners to attend regional qualifying meets to post seed times to be considered for National Team selection.
» Provide selected National Team athletes with training guidance/support as they prepare for RunningLane Cross Country Championships.
» Provide selected athletes with gear and travel accommodations comparable to those provided by college-level cross country and track & field programs.
» Expose Wings team members to the highest level of competition and athletic opportunity.
» Provide student-athletes with a cross-cultural learning experience which broadens their perspective of the world and fuels their ambitions for the future.
