The association, formerly known as NITCCCA, is an organization of track and cross-country coaches in Northern Illinois formed in 1962. ITCCCA’s objectives are as follows:
- To promote interest, enthusiasm, and improvement in track and cross-country in Northern Illinois.
- To provide education and opportunity for involvement for every coach in our association by methodology. We also strive to bring in outstanding coaches and athletes form the college ranks.
- To promote, publicize, and recognize achievement of our area athletes and coaches.
- To request the feelings of schools, coaches, and athletes of our area on rule changes, administration of track and cross-country meets to the IHSA. We strive to provide a voice representing the needs and interests of Northern Illinois in any decisions regarding track and cross-country in the state of Illinois.
- To work with and generally support the Illinois High School Association.
ITCCCA is a Non-Profit Organization. The monies raised by the association help pay for the All-State Cross Country and Track Awards, the Coach of the Year, Hall of Fame, Pasquini Asst. Coach Award, Official’s Award, and Recognition Awards. ITCCCA also awards the John Davis scholarship and picks up all expenses at the Illinois Senior Spotlight Track and Field Meet in Iowa and the Mid-East Cross Country Meet in Ohio. ITCCCA also sponsors coaches to attend Elite Coaching Camps. ITCCCA sponsors two clinics each year: The January clinic for all coaches and the Jr. High ‘Learn by Doing’ clinic in March.
ITCCCA North Division Boundaries. All parts of Illinois north of a line running South of Galesburg, and North of Pontiac.
ITCCCA All-State Cross Country Team. –To qualify the runners must attend a school which is located in ITCCCA (North Division) boundaries. The coach does not have to be a member of ITCCCA. 1) A minimum of 25 boys and 25 girls will be chosen. 2) The state champion of both Class A,AA, &AAA will be chosen if they are in the North Division. 3) All Class AAA boys and girls who finish in the top 25 of the Illinois State Meet will be chosen. In addition, Any Class A or AA boy or girl whose time is equal to or better than the 25 th person in the AA race will be chosen. 4) If fewer than 25 boys or girls are chosen after applying criteria 2 and 3, then additional athletes will be chosen to reach 25. They will consist of the next best times of those not falling into criteria 3. All-State Awards – Each runner will receive an appropriate certificate. The award will be given to each recipient’s coach at the ITCCCA membership meeting held in December.
ITCCCA All-State Track & Field Team - The top three performances by athletes from the North Division in the IHSA State Track Meet, regardless of class (A or AA), will receive a certificate, which will be presented at the ITCCCA fall meeting. The members of the top relay will, also, receive certificates.
ITCCCA Coach of the Year – Each year the top Northern Illinois Boys and Girls Head Coaches in A, AA, & AAA Cross- Country and in A & AA Track & Field are voted on before the ITCCCA January Track Clinic by the ITCCCA membership. The teams which had the top five highest places at the respective State Meet will have the head coach placed on the ballot. The coaches with the most votes are named “Coach of the Year.”
ITCCCA Dave Pasquini Assistant Coach Award – This is awarded to an assistant coach in the field of Track or Cross Country who have distinguished themselves in the coaching field. The Head Coach nominates the assistant coach.
ITCCCA Officials Award – This is awarded to Officials of Track & Field and/or Cross Country. Any coach can nominate the official who has distinguished themselves as an official.
ITCCCA John Davis Scholarship - This scholarship is awarded to at least one Senior Track & Field or Cross Country athlete. Many years have seen four athletes receive the award. There is a form to fill out and an essay to write.
ITCCCA Hall of Fame - Established in 1977 to honor men and women who have made a significant contribution to the sports of Track & Field and Cross Country in the State Of Illinois. Currently there are 166 members. In order to receive consideration of the Hall of Fame Executive Committee, the candidate must have coached for at least 20 years in Track & Field and /or Cross Country, and some of those years must have been in Illinois. A permanent Hall-of-Fame Committee, headed by Steve Currins and Bruce Ritter, and composed of at least 12 Hall-of-Fame Coaches meets each October to elect new members. If a candidate is not selected the first year their name remains in nomination for five years. After five years, the candidate may be re-nominated for consideration.
ITCCCA Recognition Award – Established in 1992 to honor men and women who are neither coaches nor athletes but who have made a significant contribution to the sports of Track & Field and/or Cross Country in the State of Illinois. There is no minimum number of years of candidates each year. Candidates could include, but not be limited to: reporters, athletic directors, and physicians.
Elite Coaching Camp – ITCCCA sponsors coaches to attend the Elite Coaching Camp in-conjunction with USATF. Contact the President for details and application.
Video Rental Policy - Numerous Track & Field tapes and DVD’s available for a nominal charge.
ITCCCA Officers - The officers serve two-year terms, with the Vice-President serving as President Elect. Nominations should be sent to the current President.
Senior Spotlight Track and Field Meet – Traditionally held 2 weeks after the IHSA Boys State Track Meet. This meet features the finest Boy & Girl athletes from the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas. The meet is held at Northern Iowa University. Selections are based upon State placers or previous performances.
Mid-East Cross Country Championships - Traditionally held in Kettering, Ohio, either 1 or 2 weeks after the IHSA State Cross Country Meet. This Meet features the finest senior boys and girls from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois. Selections will be based on results of the IHSA State Cross Country Meet.
ITCCCA Fall Coaches Meeting – Traditionally held the first Wednesday of October.
ITCCCA Late Fall Coaches Meeting – Traditionally held the first week of December.
ITCCCA Track and Field Clinic – Traditionally held the 2 nd Saturday of January at Oak Park – River Forest H.S.
ITCCCA Jr. High 'Learn-By-Doing' Clinic - Traditionally held on Sunday in the middle of March at Wheaton North H.S.