Embedded Files
Want to tryout for Indoor Track? Click here and start with Step 1
Getting started with the Flying Dragons
Getting started with the Flying Dragons
Getting your child ready to run
Here's a helpful guide.
Help your child understand the tryout process. Here's a document you will need to review and sign.
Please attend the annual Parent Meeting & trail walk on September 6. Here's the flyer.
Running is just the beginning of what we do. Here's an overview of the entire year.
Policies and Procedures
Policies and Procedures
Fall 2025 Attendance Policy
The team expects athletes to attend every practice. We feel and notice every absence.
Emergencies happen. Athletes are allowed ten absences for any reason between the first day of school (September 4) and the City Championships on November 9.
No explanation is required. A missed competition counts as a double absence. Religious/cultural holidays accommodated by the DOE are not counted, nor are days absent from school. There are no other "excused" absences allowed for any reason.
Additional absences beyond ten for any reason will cause the athlete to be barred from racing.
This policy has worked well for many years and requires that students take personal responsibility for their committments. Cuts are rare.
Injuries during practice
Compared to other sports, injuries in cross country and track & field are uncommon since we don't collide with competitors. Soreness is common and muscle strains and joint sprains are possible. Coach Henning educates our athletes about the differences and how to treat them.
He has a Wilderness First Aid certification and an extensive first aid kit. You will always get a phone call if an acute injury occurs.
Injured athletes that can still attend school are asked to attend practices to assist. They will never be penalized for doing modified workouts or sitting out a practice, but they must attend.
Heat, cold, and rain
Cross country and outdoor track practices are held in all weather conditions. The only exceptions are brief holds due to lightning and situations deemed dangerous citywide by the PSAL.
Modifications are always made to keep everyone safe while still doing useful training. People respond differently to weather conditions and there's no penalty if your child needs to take a break or otherwise not participate, but they must attend.
Please assist your child in getting the most out every situation by seeing that they bring the proper attire. The team can assist if financial need requires it.
Thoughts about rules, expectations, and standards of behavior, from Coach Henning:
Thoughts about rules, expectations, and standards of behavior, from Coach Henning:
Not meeting standards
A necessary part of adolescence is testing limits set by adults. It's a good sign when your child occasionally breaks a rule although the results are temporarily distressing.
There are written rules in our Team Expectations document and many more unwritten ones. I'll issue a consequence for not meeting the team's standards of behavior.
The consequences that I issue are a gentle advance warning of the real painful results that come from making poor choices: injury to themselves or others, disqualification at a competition, permanently damaged relationships with peers, or missed opportunities for advancement.
Ladder of consequences
I will apply a consequence to an athlete for breaking rules both written and unwritten. A first violation usually starts at #1 but I may start further down the list if the situation requires it.
A general reminder of expectations is made to the whole team.
A general reminder is made to a small group about appropriate behavior.
I'll have a side conversation with the athlete about behavioral expectations and consequences.
They will sit out the remainder of a practice.
They will be sent home from a practice.
They will be suspended from one or more practices.
They will be suspended from a meet.
They will be cut from the team.
Role of parents
When your child breaks a rule or fails to meet standard of behavior, and suffers a consequence, your reaction determines the lesson learned. If you support my judgement and the penalty assesed, the behavior will surely change. They may have legitimate questions about the offense or the penalty and you're in the best position to teach them how to communicate with the me (or the team captains) about that. Your child is a valued member of the team and there is always a way back. They have to find it themselves.
Your child may try to resolve the situation by enlisting your intervention. Be aware. Step back and see the long term cost as clearly as the short term gain. The team rules give you and me an opportunity to build a self-disciplined and self-advocating young adult.
Let's work together to help your child set their own boundaries and learn how to work with a coach and be part of a team. These skills will serve them well their whole lives.
Spectator Guides
Spectator Guides
Here's what you need to watch cross country races in Van Cortlandt Park.
Here's a guide to watching Indoor Track meets at The Armory.
One regular meet, and the state Indoor Track meet, are held on Staten Island. Here's more info.
In the spring, our all-city meets are held at Icahn Stadium on Randalls Island. Here's info you'll want.
Page updated
Report abuse