The National Deaf Prep Cross Country Championships were founded by Art Kruger. Art Kruger, known for his contributions to deaf sports, established the championships to provide a platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing high school athletes to compete in cross country running, fostering a sense of community, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence among schools dedicated to the education of deaf students. The event has since become a significant annual gathering, showcasing the talents and achievements of deaf athletes from various schools across the United States.