Wolverine Open 5K

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

North Stafford High School Cross Country is hosting the 2nd Annual Wolverine Open 5K race. This race kicks off the SlyeStrong#6 XC Invitational, so stick around to watch some great racing amongst the high schoolers!

🕊️ About Andrew "AJ" Slye

To give some background on the SlyeStrong#6 Foundation, Andrew John "AJ" Slye was a 2012 graduate of North Stafford High School. A favorite amongst his classmates and teachers, AJ was a great student and a tenacious athlete on the baseball diamond and football field. He was a young man with strong character, piercing blue eyes, and an infectious smile. Upon returning home from his first semester at Salisbury University, AJ was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a form of blood cell cancer. His fight to beat cancer began at the University of Virginia Hospital, transitioned to Johns Hopkins Hospital and unfortunately ended on February 27, 2014 at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over 14 months, multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant reduced AJ's body from a strong, fit football player to a thin, battle-weary shell of a young man. But the cancer did not touch this warrior's heart which steadily grew stronger. Through every setback he faced, his trust and faith in God became deeper, and his resolve became ever-increasing. His spirit and that infectious smile incredibly united and inspired an entire community.

💚 SlyeStrong#6 Foundation

The SlyeStrong#6 Foundation has been established in loving memory and honor of Andrew "AJ" Slye who is a testament to us all regarding how to endure and enlighten in the face of hardship.

🎯 Mission of the Foundation

• Catalyst: To serve as a catalyst to find a cure for cancer.
• Community Support: To give back to the communities who came together whole-heartedly in spirit, love, and hope to strengthen the fight for life.
• Platform: To be a platform for all who have lost loved ones to cancer.

🎓 Foundation Goals

• Academic Scholarships: Provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors in each of the five Stafford County Public Schools and at least one scholarship to a student from neighboring schools who has been impacted by cancer.
• Community Needs: Meet immediate community needs to alleviate hardship and promote a positive outlook.
• Medical Research: Raise money in support of medical research.
• Awareneess: Promote awareness of cancer and opportunities to help.
• Comfort: Provide comfort to those living with cancer.

🌟 Vision

Their vision is to honor and remember AJ by supporting the fight to cure cancer through heightened community outreach, God's strength, and pure perseverance.

📅 Race Details

Date: September 20, 2025

Location: 21 Willowmere Pond Road, Stafford, VA

For more information and registration, visit: Wolverine Open 5K