As a parent myself, I know the following are critical questions to be answered: 

What dates are important? 

What gear does my athlete need? 

What other costs do I need to be aware of?

May 16: The BIG EMAIL gets sent out!

May 24th- Have your 2024 goals survey completed by today at 7:00 pm.

June 3rd-7th- MS (and new HS) Cross Country Camp. 9:45-11:00. See this page for more information.

June _5th -TEAM MEETING for all NEW athletes and parents. Middle School, room 1616, 6:30 p.m. An email will be sent to returning athletes and parents with information, but returning athletes/parents do not need to attend this meeting unless they want to for some reason, but you know the drill.

June  11th:  7:00 pm- Team Gathering @ Coach Wilkinson's house. This will be an opportunity to reconnect. Run together, EAT, hang out, play yard games, swimming, eating, etc....or there may be workout component, but these are  details TBD. (Also...NEW UNIFORM REVEAL!)

June-August...Window for running a minimum of 100 miles, which is required for attending camp. Athletes need to be keeping an updated running log during this time.  (If it is needed, we can count the first week of practice as well).

June-August...Window for achieving “300 Mile Club” status. Athletes looking to make the 300 mile club should continue to keep an updated running log even after August 7th...until August 31st. Athletes get a special t-shirt and notoriety for achieving this goal.

TBD Summer Morning Runs at Wilkinson's: Please use this sign-up genius to sign-up for these runs. Possible dates but TBD (June 13, 18, 20...w/25 & 27 TBD; July 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; Aug 1st). This are NOT madatory. They are opportunities. The location and times may vary based on interest and need for change in scenery. 

July 1st-5th "Dead Week 1" - No contact with athletes. Training should still continue however.

July 17th: Send Coach Wilkinson a photo of your training log so I can see your progress.

August 1st: 8:00-10:00 a.m.  - Team gathering and an opportunity to be 100% ready/informed for our first practice and for camp. Turn in camp money and permission slips. Make sure everyone has a tent partner and gear, etc.

August 5th-9th- "Dead Week 2" - No contact with athletes. Training should still continue.

August 12th by 7:45 a.m.: Have Final Forms completed online in order to practice and go to camp. Doing this in May when it opens up is even better for communications with the Athletic Department, etc.

August 12th. First “official” practice. Meet outside the fitness center lobby for drop off and pick-up. 8-10 a.m. (Bring your training log to turn in). If you have a summer job, PLEASE make sure your employer knows about our practice times so you can make it.

August 12th...Money due for camp ($120 per athlete...but $60 for each additional sibling). Please write checks out to TKHS. This may be given to Coach Wilkinson the first day of practice.

August TBD...Team Apparel order forms and money due. (TBD)

August 13th-16th TKHS Cross Country Camp at Hill and Hollow Campground, in Pentwater. Plan on athletes arriving with their gear at 9:00 a.m. the day we leave, and being picked up around 2:30-3:00 p.m. the day we return. Also go to our website's CAMP PAGE. 

August 26th - First Day of School Practice time 2:35-4:30 pm, which should be typical on school days. Some days we will be done at 4:00 and others as late as 4:45+, but my intention will to be done not later than 4:20-ish on most days. Longer runs, etc., require longer practices. 

August TBD- Team pictures @ TBD pm. Form.

September 2nd: Run on your own. (Labor Day)

September 27th: MORNING PRACTICE @ TKHS Track. 6:00 AM start! (Under the lights at TKHS Stadium)...This is homecoming day. Additionally...we will be in the parade, so be prepared for that opportunity.  (Likely meeting at 4:40 pm at Lee Elementary. If you are in band, you will be expected to attend to that responsibility).

TBD Middle School Race @ TK...assist if available.

Also see our MEET SCHEDULE. 

Gear Costs...

• Running shoes (training shoes are critical, racing shoes/spikes or racing "flats" are optional but nice to have as your ability level advances). See our "Do I need Spikes..." page on our website.

• Running shorts, tops & socks (a few sets of workout clothes to rotate- running specific is optimal for comfort, but this is certainly a personal preference issue). 

Buying Running Shoes If possible, go to a store that deals primarily with running footwear and apparel such as Gazelle Sports. A store such as this will have well trained personnel who can help you choose the right shoe with the right fit. The best way to prolong the life and function of a new pair of running shoes is to wear them for running only, not as school shoes, family outings, or for PE class. It is important that shoes be selected for their function, not their colors. Also see our "Do  I Need Spikes to Race" page. 

Buying Apparel Whatever comfortable fitting t-shirts and shorts you have are adequate for daily training.  However, running specific apparel is generally most comfortable. Often this is more form fitting, but it is completely the athlete and her parents preference. 

• Items to consider when the weather starts getting colder:  running or “technical” long sleeve shirts, running tights...or as I hear my kids call them, “leggings”, thin/running gloves, running “knit” hat or head band...aka something to keep your head/ears warm, fleece and/or running jacket, or some prefer a basic sweatshirt. A lightweight running jacket that is water resistant. 

• Optional: Running “baseball style hat/visor”...not allowed in races though. 

• Optional but highly recommended: Running watch to be worn at every practice (my personal preference because of it’s features and price point is the Timex, Ironman, Sleek, 50 Lap watch - I usually find a good price on Amazon). I realize some of you may have or would prefer GPS watches. I have no issues with that either, but they are more expensive.

• Optional, but something to consider, especially during summer training: A Road ID identification bracelet...or the like.

Other Costs:

• TKHS pay to play charge.

• Camp...Currently estimated at $120 per person & a 24-case of water bottles per person. Additionally, athletes will want money for snacks and any other recreational activities/costs they want to be involved with. Although this seems like a lot of money, most camps are much more expensive. Furthermore, although this is not a required camp, Coach Reynolds and I would really like everyone who can be there, to attend, so if this cost creates a hardship, please let me know. There is also a family discount when you have more than one athlete, the price of the first athlete is $120 and $60 every subsequent athlete.

• (See Camp page on this website).

• Optional TKHS Cross Country Apparel (prices vary depending on what you want...typically short sleeve & long sleeve shirts, hoodies, etc.). Order form will likely be provided in late August.

• After meet snacks for team, which is done on a voluntary basis by the parents' contributions to be determined by the parents, but organized through a "Sign-up Genius".