April 11, 2025

Steinbrenner High School Cross Country Team Backs Animal Adoption

News Summary

The boys cross country team at Steinbrenner High School in Land O’ Lakes has taken a unique approach to community service by running with shelter dogs. Since 2017, this initiative has helped promote animal adoption, leading to over 200 adoptions through a collaboration with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The program offers athletes valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy while also creating joyful experiences for both the boys and the dogs they run with. This heartwarming connection highlights the team’s commitment to making a positive impact in their community, one paw at a time.

Steinbrenner High School’s Cross Country Team Races for a Pawsitive Change!

Welcome to Land O’ Lakes, where the local boys cross country team at Steinbrenner High School has found a heartwarming way to give back to the community! Their “Gentleman. Scholar. Athlete.” ethos isn’t just about running fast and winning races; it’s about caring for those who can’t care for themselves. The team’s unique initiative, which began in 2017, pairs their daily runs with a mission to promote animal adoption! Yes, you heard that right—these athletes are putting their shoes where their hearts are by running alongside shelter dogs.

How It All Began

The heartwarming idea was sparked by a team parent who stumbled upon an article suggesting that running with dogs from shelters could help them find loving homes. This was shared with the coaching staff, and Head Coach Allison Szponar quickly jumped at the chance to make a difference. Since then, the Steinbrenner team has teamed up with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay to train their athletes to effectively run with these lovable furry friends. This collaboration is all about creating a better experience for the dogs, who get to enjoy some physical exercise and social interaction while the boys get some quality training time in.

A Productive Partnership

The partnership has blossomed over the years, yielding incredible results! The boys choose energetic dogs to accompany them on their runs, typically during the sunny summer months. With over 200 adoptions reported since the start of this initiative, it’s clear that the program has made a significant impact on both the dogs and the community. Not only are these dogs getting the exercise they need to lessen their anxiety, but they are also increasing their chances of being adopted by wonderful families.

Running and Responsibility

These dogs not only make running a more joyful experience, but they also teach the boys valuable lessons in responsibility and empathy. As athletes, they learn to take care of others while they are training to excel in their sport. The sense of accountability doesn’t stop with just running; it extends to their approach to life as well, reinforcing the very ethos the team lives by.

Champion of the Summer

To make things even more exciting, the team holds a friendly competition dubbed the “Champion of the Summer.” The boys track their running hours and the miles completed together with their furry companions during the months of June and July. This friendly rivalry fosters a sense of community among the runners, challenging them to push their limits and improve their performance year after year. While each year’s team presents its unique dynamics, the 2019 squad was especially dedicated, showcasing exceptional commitment both to their training and the dogs.

The Results are Woof-tastic!

With around 14 runners typically participating in this initiative, the effects are substantially positive for everyone involved. The connection between the Steinbrenner cross country team and the Humane Society is nothing short of inspiring, receiving accolades from both animal lovers and the local community. The team not only runs fast—they also spread the word about the featured dogs through social media, raising visibility and promoting adoptions.

Taking It Home

What’s even cuter is that sometimes, the bond formed during their runs leads to some team members or local community members adopting the dogs they’ve trained with! This heartwarming trend creates a ripple effect, as adopted dogs bring joy and companionship to new homes. So, as the Steinbrenner High School boys cross country team races ahead toward their next competitive season, they’re not just chasing after championships. They’re also paving the way for animals in need—and that is something worth rooting for!

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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