Can my child do track and play another sport?
Absolutely! Many of our athletes play multiple sports at one time. We work with our athletes to make sure they can make their games for the other sports, but we do try to make sure they can come to all of our meets. We normally have one meet a week.
Do I need to buy my child any equipment or anything for track and field?
Athletes need to have appropriate clothing for any type of weather. We practice outside and we have meets outside unless there is thunder and lightning. It can get very cold during track season, so athletes will need multiple sweatshirts, long pants, gloves, hats, etc.
Duffel bags are also a must for our athletes. They should bring extra clothing every day just in case they need to change, or in case they need an extra layer of clothing. It is always better to pack extra.
Track spikes and throwing shoes may be bought, but they are NOT mandatory. Track spikes are worn by sprinters/jumpers/distance, and throwing shoes are worn by throwers. Both can be purchased either online or at "Inside Track", which is a store on Lititz Pike in Lancaster. See the map below:
Can my child use football or soccer cleats on the track?
NO! Only running shoes or track spikes can be used on the track. Cleats will not be allowed. Track spikes have tiny metal spikes at the bottom that dig into the track to help give athletes additional speed.
What time are practices over?
Practices end at 4:30, except for most practices the day before a meet, in which case they end at 4:00. There are exceptions to this rule, so please look at the calendar!
What time will my child return from a meet?
That depends on many things. It depends on how far away the meets is, how the officials operate the meet, and how early in the season it is. Typically, the earlier in the season it is, the longer the meet will last because athletes are still learning the meet format. Typically, we are back around 6:30, but that will vary from meet to meet. The exceptions are the LS Relays Invitational and Leagues at Hempfield. More information will be given to athletes in practice about these meets.
What is the LS Relays Invitational?
The Lampeter-Strasburg Relays is a large meet that takes place in May at Lampeter-Strasburg High School. Coaches will inform athletes if they qualify to compete.
What is "Leagues" or the "League Championship Meet"? Is my child going to that?
Leagues is the championship meet for all junior high track teams in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties, and it takes place at Hempfield early in May. Not everyone goes to this meet. We are able to send the best athlete or relay team in each event, plus any additional teams or athletes who meet a qualifying standard. For example, if we have two discus throwers whose personal best throws are over 130', and the qualifying distance is 125', then both will go to the meet; however, if only one of them has thrown over 130', and the other has only thrown 124', only the athlete with the better throw will go to the meet. We will only know which athletes will compete at the very end of the season. This meet does take place on a weekday, but it lasts longer than a normal meet.
Can I take my child home early from meets?
Yes. We do need a note from you (we have some on hand at meets) if it is an away meet that says that your child is not riding the bus home.
Can I iron my child's uniform?
NO! That will ruin the uniform. If you're worried about wrinkles, hang it up in the bathroom and run a hot shower. The steam will take care of the wrinkles.