Parent Info

Where are we running? 

• Monday-Friday practices will always meet at Sunny Hills. Saturday practices or practices during Spring Break may be held in different locations. Check the training spreadsheet or contact Coach Batchelor if you have any questions.

• Runners are encouraged to attend as many practices as they can. Improvement in this sport comes with consistency

What kind of runs do we do?

• We will try to run through parks and trails as much as possible. Some trails will be uneven, make sure you have proper running shoes. Fullerton has excellent local trails. 

• We run rain or shine! Dress according to the weather.

• In cases of severe weather, practice updates will be announced to Google Classroom and Remind. Always assume practices or competitions will be held at the scheduled time unless you hear otherwise from the coaches or school administration. 

When is practice?  

• Summer Practices: Tuesday, Thursday - 8-9:30AM; Monday, Wednesday, Friday- 4-6PM

• Fall Practices (Monday-Friday): 3-5PM, Saturdays are TBA

• Practices will last 1.5-2 hours throughout the entirety of the season. If practices will start/end at a different time, it will be posted to Remind and the Training Spreadsheet.

What does my athlete need to do to be part of the team? 

1. Complete an athletic clearance form (Instructions: https://www.sunnyhills.net/athletic-clearance-process) --> This clearance must be approved by SHHS before your athlete can attend any practice

2. Show up --> Consistency will yield results!

3. Attend tryouts on Friday, August 7

4. Wear comfortable running shoes (it is recommended to visit Snail's Pace or another running shop to get properly fitted for shoes)

5. Wear a running or timing watch every day

6. Keep a positive attitude and be a good, supportive teammate

7. Follow the team rules 

What do I do if my athlete is hurting after a run or workout?

• Your athlete needs to tell Coach Batchelor 

• Injuries that occur during practice will be assessed by the school’s trainer

• If the injury is minor (as determined by the school trainer or a doctor): Coaches will assign a workout that does not aggravate the current injury.

• If the injury is major: See a Sports Therapist/Specialist. General practitioners will tell your athlete not to do anything for a long period of time. This usually brings about the end of an athlete’s season. Instead, make an appointment with an expert who works specifically with athletes and will help them recover and heal, rather than stop their momentum.

• Major injuries that occur during practice will be handled with the appropriate emergency response and Parents will be notified immediately. All coaches are CPR and First Aid certified. 

How much is the team donation?

• Summer Donation: $150 - This pays for team bonding activities, post-run treats, Coaches stipends, and more

• Fall Donation: $250 - This pays for team uniforms, meet entries, team bonding, post-run treats, end of season banquet, and more

Do parents have to register athletes for the meet? 

• Coaches handle all meet entries. If your athlete is not registered for a meet, please have your athlete contact Coach Batchelor.

How long does the invite take? 

• Each meet will vary in in how long the meet lasts but they are long events ranging from 4 hours to 2 days. 

Can I take my athlete to the invite? 

• Your athlete needs to ride the school bus to every League Event

• Transportation to League Meets and most Invitationals will be provided by the school

• At non-League Events, athletes may arrive independently with a Parent/Guardian to Invitationals 2 hours before their scheduled start time

Can I bring them home? 

• You may only take your athlete home from the meet. If it is an invitational, your athlete may leave once they have cooled down. 

• Athletes are required to stay until the end of every League Event. It's important that we stay to support any athletes that have yet to race. 

What do they need to bring to practice? 

• Running shoes: We recommend visiting A Snail’s Pace Running Shop in Brea on Imperial Highway. Runners should purchase a pair of training shoes (which will last approximately 400-600 miles, or one pair every season) and a pair of racing flats. 

• Athletes should purchase a running watch that takes splits, or a basic timing watch. This should be brought to practice every day. 

• Athletes may run with their phones, but it must be carried in an arm or waist band. Carrying a device in your hand is distracting and unsafe, and also alters the athletes’ running form. Coaches carry phones with them at all times in case of emergency.

• Water, electrolytes, and snacks: Athletes need to bring a water bottle, sports drink with electrolytes, and a snack to eat after each run. (Note: Energy drinks are not sports drinks–do not drink energy drinks before running).

• Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, sunblock.

What’s a pasta party? Do they have to go? 

• A pasta party is a team dinner that is hosted by a family or families the night before a race. Pasta parties are a good bonding experience and opportunity to talk about race goals/strategy. 

Do parents have to be involved in the race? 

• If you are reading this (especially this far down) you are likely involved with your child's athletics. Please come to all races regardless if your athlete wants you there or not.

Do parents pay to see the invite? 

• Some of the large races charge for parking and/or spectator entry so having cash is a good idea. 

Do you provide a map to the invite? 

• I will share meet info as it becomes available.

What should my child eat before, at the invite and afterwards? 

• Here's a good source for that info. Your child will adjust their diet based on the time they race. If they race in the morning they should eat a small meal before leaving and then a small snack about 2 hours before their race. We need to have a balanced meal plan that consists of protein, complex carbohydrates, fat and electrolytes.  

How can I help support the team? 

• We will host the Wayne Walker Invite in September at Ralph B. Clark Park. This is our annual home meet and fundraiser in memory of Sunny Hills XC Coach, Wayne Walker. We will need parent volunteers to keep this home meet running smoothly. Please keep this date open in your calendars and volunteer on SignUpGenius, we appreciate it!