Vision
To be a model program in the State of Minnesota on and off the track. This is not measured by wins and losses, but by consistency both athletically and academically.
Mission
In order to meet our vision, we must live our values on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. If we let our values lead our actions, our program will be a championship caliber program
Values
Take Pride in what I do
Hold myself and My Teammates Accountable
Be Open to Positive Change and Growth
Show Respect for myself and my teammates
challenge myself physically, emotionally and psychologically
Coaching Philosophy
We believe the will to prepare to win is more important then the will to win. If athletes strive daily at practice to be the best they can be, by doing exactly what the coach has planned, the winning will take care of itself.
We believe Track and Field is a team sport. Coaches will continue to instill the team focus as every athlete is important to win the True Team and Conference meets.
We believe setting both Achievement and Preparation goals are important. Coaches will work with athletes to set goals for achievements and preparation on and off the track.
We believe Track and Field is a tool to develop character in the next generation of leaders. With each winning moment, we learn to celebrate our successes together. With each hardship or failure, we learn how to work through it and stand tall.
We will work with all athletes through multilateral training to develop their strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and coordination.
We believe track and field must be fun and enjoyable to all!
Attendance Policy
Each athlete is required to be at scheduled practices from 3:00pm – 5:00pm Monday – Friday. Occasional Saturday practice will be scheduled.
Athletes must be at school by 11:30am the day of a meet to be eligible to compete.
Missing practices will result in missing meets
Practice
Practice is from 3:00 – 5:00 Monday – Friday and occasional Saturdays. Some events may require staying late depending on set-up or take down of equipment, number of athletes or weather.
A team meeting / warm-up will begin at 3:00 promptly. Athletes must be dressed ready to practice at 3:00.
At all practices positive attitude will prevail. Athletes must come prepared for practice emotionally and physically.
Practice will be conducted rain or shine, hot or cold. Make sure you have clothing for all types of potential weather of a Minnesota Spring.
We will follow these basic rules at practice
All athletes must ask a coaches permission to leave the track, weight room or other venue used for practice
No swearing or foul language
No Jewelry may be worn at practice. (It is against MSHSL to compete with Jewelry, lets practice how we compete)
You may not use your cell phone while at practice
Pole vaulting will only occur when a coach is present. All athletes pole vaulting in practice and meets MUST wear a helmet.
Transportation
Be on time for the bus. Bus will leave at the scheduled bus time.
Athletes are not allowed to drive to any meet or ride with other students.
All athletes are required to ride the team bus to and from all track meets.
If athletes must leave a meet early for another school function (ex: band concert) the parent of the departing athlete must make arrangements with the head coach ahead of time and must be at the meet to pick up their athletes. Athletes will not be allowed to ride home with any other adult.
Meet Procedures - Athletes
Warm-up prior to your events as instructed by your coach
All athletes are expected to represent Orono High School with class.
Some away meets may require early dismissal. Athletes are responsible to make arrangements with teachers to make up any missed work.
All athletes are expected to compete in the events they are scheduled for, unless prior instruction from a coach.
Athletes are required to wear school issued uniform. If you need to wear compression shorts under your uniform shorts they must be blue. If you need to wear a compression shirt, sports bra or long sleeve shirt under your jersey, it must be white in color. Compression shorts, shirts and sports bras cannot have a contrasting color stitching.
After completion of assigned events, athletes are required to stay and cheer on your teammates until the conclusion of the meet.
Some meets are Varsity only meets. If an athlete is not on the Varsity Roster for that meet they are not required to attend the meet. However, they are more than welcome to travel with the team to cheer and encourage.
Absolutely no cell phone, or technology use outside of the “camp”. This is a MSHSL violation and will result in a disqualification
At the end of your race you will be expected to congratulate all other competitors in your race. No matter what your finish was. Remember who you are and whose you are. Represent Orono.
If you take picture of athletes competing, you cannot let anyone view those images / or videos until the meet is complete.
Meet Procedures - Parents
It is important for parents to understand meet etiquette. During field events when an athlete is about to jump, throw or vault it should be silent and the cheering can take place after the jump, throw or vault.
Cheer on your son / daughter. Athletes are under a lot of stress and pressure at meets. Coaches will do the coaching and parents do the cheering.
It is against MSHSL rules to show athletes pictures or videos of competition while the meet is in session. You are welcome to take pictures / videos but can not show any athlete until the meet is complete.
Calendars
Current practice and meet schedules / calendars can be found by clicking here
Equipment
Each athlete will be issued a uniform which must be worn only at track meets. This equipment must be turned in by the end of the school year.
Each athlete will be required to purchase shorts from the Track Online Store. These shorts are considered part of your official uniform and must be worn at all meets. Each Athlete will be allowed to keep their shorts.
Failure to turn in your uniform will result in an $40.00 non-refundable fine on your school account. Uniform turn-in is on June 7 at 2:30 in the HS Gym. DO NOT GIVE YOUR UNIFORM TO A FRIEND TO TURN-IN. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE.
Each athlete is required to wear a watch to practice (stop watch)
Other equipment such as spikes, practice attire, warm-ups and rain gear must be provided by the athlete.
Orono Track Apparel can be ordered from the Track Team Website. All athletes, parents and fans are welcome to order Orono Track and Field Apparel.
Try-outs / Varsity and JV Teams
We do not have official try outs for the Varsity and JV Teams. Each day and each meet is a try-out.
We expect athletes to work hard and perform daily. Everyone will practice together.
The athletes with the best times, distances and heights will be named to the varsity roster for each meet with coach consideration.
The Varsity and JV roster will change weekly.
Communication
If issues arise, have your athlete approach a coach with the issue. If the issue doesn’t get solved, a parent may contact the Head Coach with your concern.
Coaches will not discuss any issue or concern involving other athletes.
Safety
Health Concerns – We encourage each athlete that has a specific health concern ( i.e. diabetes, asthma, etc.) to talk to the head coach so the proper precautions are taken.
Heat / Cold – Spring in Minnesota can provide a variety of weather conditions. It is important that athletes always have the proper attire. A general rule: if it’s below 65 degrees athletes need to be warming up in pants and long sleeve shirts.
Hydration – It is important that athletes continually hydrate. When you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated. Refrain from caffeine and energy drinks.
Injuries- Injury will happen during your athletic career. Inform the coaching staff of any injury and see the Athletic Training ASAP for proper treatments.
Additional Safety – All pole vaulters are required to wear helmets while vaulting and use the proper pole for their current weight
Nutrition / Sleep
Maintaining good sleeping habits is essential to excel in your event. All athletes should try to get 7.5 or 9 hours of sleep / night.
Athletes should have a snack high in protein in between school and practice
Nutrition is a major key to success in athletics. Many times meets can get late, and athletes may not be able to eat “supper” until 8 or 9pm. Healthy snacks to be consumed while at the meet are essential. All athletes need to bring healthy food / snacks to track meets. The following is a list of great snack ideas.
School Work
Your number one priority is your school work. As you may be required to miss school for track meets, track should never be an excuse.
Track athletes are expected to work up to their capabilities in the classroom. Mid-Quarter and final report cards may be requested if work is deficient.
Orono Track athletes are expected to be leading citizens of your school. You are expected not to be in the officer or in detention for disciplinary purposes.
Banned Substance Policy
All Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and Orono High School rules and consequences will apply.
Other Sports
The spring season is a busy time for high school athletes with multiple sports conducting practice and games. We ask the athletes be open with the coaching staff on what other activities you are participating in to help avoid over use injury.
The coaching staff is willing to work with the athlete competing in multiple sports between March 12 and April 30. Starting May 1 – the Conference meet we ask all athletes give Track and Field priority as the athletes taper for the conference and true team meet.
Captains
Captains are elected by the coaches and athletes at the end of each season. T
Contact Information
Co-Head Coaches : Brian McCollar/Nate Porter: 952-449-8338 ext. 7311
Activities Director: Bucky Mieras 952-449-8414
Activities Secretary: Sigrid Heinen 952-449-8409
Athletic Trainer: Michele Goudy 952-449-8428
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/orono.k12.mn.us/track-and-field/home-1
Twitter:
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Lettering Policy
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MN State Qualifying Times:
Athletes qualify to go to the State Track and Field Meet by placing in the top two at the Section Meet, or by meeting a State Qualifying time / distance at the Section Meet. State Qualifying times can be found by clicking here