Frequently asked questions

How do I register?

Eligibility requirements, as outlined in the handbook, include:

- Academic eligibility, carrying/passing 20 credits at all times

- Physical within 13 months of the current date

- Completion of impact testing every 2 years

- NFHS's Concussion Course completed annually

- Completed promissory note and athletic fees payment (credit card or check)

What forms Do I need to participate?

Every athlete must have an up-to-date physical on file with the nurse (within the year), complete the online concussion training, complete IMPACT testing with the trainer, and pay the athletic fee.

How often does the cross country team practice?

The cross country team practices 5 days per week. Varsity practices 6 days per week with Sunday practice. Sometimes we will have an occasional weekend practice as a team.

How often does the team compete?

The team competes weekly, on Tuesdays. Our home course is at McClennen Park, mapped for 3.1 miles.

Invitationals, Regionals, and State meets take place on Saturdays. League meets take place on Mondays. Both JV and Varsity will compete separately in every weekly meet, including Invitationals. Only Varsity will compete in Divisional and State meets. Racing surfaces vary from paved to trail and everything in between.

What is an invitational?

An Invitational is a Saturday competition that involves schools from all around New England. These meets may have as many as 200 runners in each race. We will occasionally compete in these events.

How is a cross-country meet scored?

You can read about Cross Country scoring information in the following link.

What equipment will I need?

The only real equipment a runner needs is a quality pair of running shoes for training. A specialty running store will be able to provide the proper shoes. We recommend Marathon Sports or Greater Boston Running Company. If you mention that you are a member of the team, you will get a 10-15% discount. If you wait until our "Spike Night", held during the first week of practice, you will receive 20% off all gear, including clothes! Please refer to our XG Gear link on the top of this page for more information about gear.

How much running will I be doing?

We will always gradually introduce runners into the program. The toughest part of the season for new runners is the first few weeks. We spend most of the early season training sessions monitoring the new runners. Some runners tend to adjust to the sport more quickly than others. For more specifics, use the Summer Training spreadsheet to know how much you should be running before the season starts.

What about injuries?

Cross Country frequently incurs more injuries than any other high school sport. It is a very stressful sport on the body. That said, it is very important that each runner communicates with the coach if he has any type of injury. We will then monitor and evaluate his training. Sometimes a few days of rest may be necessary, other times the runner may need to visit a specialist. We recommend, however, that our runners see the team Athletic Trainer first.

Are the meets or practices canceled because of rain?

Practices are very rarely canceled. Practices are only canceled when an administrator at the school cancels them. However, the meets during the week can be canceled because of inclement weather. The weekend meets are rain or shine no matter what the weather conditions. A tornado, a blizzard, or hurricane might cancel the meet.

Is transportation provided for away meets?

A bus will leave the high school between 2:30 and 2:45 PM on the day of an away meet. Punctuality is important as the bus will not wait for late team members.

Can I drive home with my parents at away meets?

Yes, we do allow parents to transport their child home from away meets at the conclusion of the event. However, school policy does not allow students to transport themselves to and from athletic events. Please, let one of your coaches know that you are heading out with your parents before you go.

How do I make the Varsity team?

The Top 7-12 runners on the team (determined by race times) are considered the "Varsity Squad". As the season progresses there may be changes in the lineup as athletes improve their race times. Most varsity athletes run over the summer months in order to earn their varsity spot.