Overview

Cross Country is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally by training and competing in a sport that is considered by some to be an expression of human freedom.

Participants will become familiar with aspects of physical training and recovery, nutrition and fitness, race preparation and strategy, and elements of sports psychology. In addition to developing individual skills and achievements, participants will work in partner and team situations to enhance their understanding of athleticism and sportsmanship within the sport of running.

Gear

Participants should have all of the following gear items set aside, in a bag, ready for practice and meets everyday.

High quality running shoes
Running socks
Shorts
Running Tights
Wind/Waterproof pants
Short and Long sleeve shirts
Fleece jacket (or other warm layer)
Wind/Waterproof shell
Hat and Gloves
Digital Watch
Water Bottle
Journal and Writing Utensil

Lettering

To receive a letter, participants must:

-compete in at least 3 meets at/below Varsity level target times
-compete in the State Meet

Participants who complete the first requirement but are unable to compete at State due to injury may letter at the coach's discretion.

Practice

Participants are expected to:

-be dressed and ready when practice is scheduled to begin
-have all gear at every practice
-engage in stretching, exercise, drills, and activities as recommended by the coach

Missing Practice

Participants are encouraged to be at every practice, but as we all know, the things life throws at us will sometimes make this unrealistic.

Foe excused absences (i.e. illness, school-related absence), participants or parents must notify the coach BEFORE practice. As health and recovery allow, participants make make up an excused absence prior to the next meet in order to compete.

For unexcused absences, (i.e. not having notified the coach OR late to practice without having notified the coach), participants must make up the absence and will not be allowed to compete in the next meet. Two unexcused absences will result in dismissal from this activity.

The bottom line here is to pay yourself, your teammates and your coach the courtesy of communicating to your coach what is going on with you. In most cases, we will be able to make accommodating arrangements. That said, please respect the necessary commitment that participating in an activity demands. If at all possible, do not use practice time to schedule other activities, appointments, etc.

Responsibilities

Participants are expected to:

-meet all Eligibility requirements for the duration of the season
-meet all Attendance requirements for the duration of the season
-abide the School's Code of Conduct for the duration of the season
-report all injuries and/or illness to the coach immediately
-behave with integrity and in a respectful manner towards oneself, teammates, coach, staff, other teams, and officials at all times