Event Information

The Maryland School for the Deaf is proud to host the Strides & Rallies National Invitational Weekend at our Frederick campus on October 2-3, 2026. This exciting event brings together two national Deaf high school athletic competitions: the National Deaf Cross Country Championships and the Spike Out Volleyball Tournament XXVI. 

 

As multiple events will take place throughout the weekend, we encourage all visitors to review the information below to help ensure a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you to MSD for a memorable weekend of championship competition and community.

 

 

The National Deaf Cross Country Championships will feature two distinct races over the weekend, held at two adjacent locations:

 

>> Off-Campus Race: This race will be held at the historic Mount Olivet Cemetery, in the morning of Friday, October 2, located directly across South Market Street from the MSD campus. 

 

>> On-Campus Race: On Saturday, October 3, this race will take place on the MSD Frederick campus, located behind the Benson Gymnasium and near the football field. 

 

 

Volleyball matches will be hosted across two on-campus facilities:

 

>> Benson Gymnasium: This will serve as the primary venue for the majority of the tournament matches. 

 

>> Kent-McCanner Gymnasium: Located inside the Elementary School building, this venue will host select pool play matches as well as the seventh-place match. 

 

Important Notice on Seating Capacity: While the tournament is open to all spectators, please be advised that seating is limited in both facilities. Kent-McCanner Gymnasium has a smaller spectator capacity than Benson Gymnasium.

 

 

On Saturday, October 3, Benson Gymnasium will temporarily close immediately following the conclusion of the fifth-place match. This intermission is scheduled to allow all tournament attendees, players, and staff the opportunity to support the final race of the National Deaf Cross Country Championships.

 

When Benson Gymnasium reopens for the third-place and championship matches, a priority admission policy will be enforced to manage venue capacity safely. Access to the gym will be granted in the following order:  

 

1.  Tournament Participants: Rostered players, coaches, and tournament staff.

 

2.  Immediate Families: Family members of the teams actively competing in the third-place and championship matches.

 

3.  General Spectators: Admitted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to remaining seating availability.