WHAT DO I NEED TO RUN CROSS COUNTRY

Athletic Packet

All athletes must have an athletic physical and have all eligibility forms completed prior to being allowed to practice. The link to the forms can be found here.

Practice

• Practice is 4:00-6:00 PM every day, rain or shine.

• If an athlete misses practice, they will not run in the upcoming meet.

• If an athlete accumulates two unexcused missed practices, there will be a conference with the athlete and/or parent, and the athlete may be dismissed from the team.

• All who qualify for post-season meets must attend all practice days and times. We will be having practice on days when there is no school.

Uniforms

• Athletes must wear school-issued uniforms during competition.

• Each team member is responsible for his/her own personal belongings.

• Uniforms can be purchased for $90 ($60 for top, $30 for bottoms). 

Photos

It is difficult for the coaches to get pictures during meets, so we ask you to share your photos with us. We can then post them on social media and use them for end-of-the-year slide show.

Earning A Varsity Letter

Athletes can earn their varsity letter in cross country by meeting one or more of the following requirements:

• Meet Varsity time/mark standards

• Earn 5 varsity points (Points are earned by placing in meets while competing at the varsity level)

• NOTE: Athlete must finish the season in good standing

Team Standards & Expectations

• All athletes must stay to the completion of the last race at each meet. Even if they are finished competing, they must stay and cheer for their teammates. We are a team and we need to cheer each other on!

  • If an athlete does leave before the completion of the last race, disciplinary action may result. (ex. held out of a meet)

• Any schoolwide discipline may result in removal from the team.

• A student not following school rules may result in suspension/removal from the team.

• All athletes will be required to travel with the team (ride the bus/van) to and from events.

• All school and CIF rules and regulations are enforced at all times.

• Be a student-athlete and have FUN!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ATHLETES NEW TO RUNNING

In order to run cross country, you don't need to have ever run before. We will help you progress along with wherever your starting point is. A few items below, however,  are beneficial to start getting now if you have not already done so.

SHOES

Proper running shoes are the most important part of running cross country and staying injury-free and feeling good.

WHERE TO BUY SHOES

Fleet Feet is a great resource. They will let you try on all the shoes that you want. I would encourage you to take the top three pairs after trying on a bunch and run in them on the treadmills in the store. Be sure that your feet do not slap, that you feel light on your feet and that they feel comfortable. You do not have to buy your shoes from here but they are a great resource. Once you find what you like you may peruse the internet and see if you can get a less expensive price or a deal on the pairs that you really like.

WATCH 

The next most important resource for a runner is a watch. A GPS watch (like a Garmin) is preferred, but understandably those are pricey so if anything, buy a watch that has a Chrono or stopwatch function. We do runs by miles but you can figure that out in time and use a stopwatch to tell how far you have run. This is important and necessary to be able to time your runs. If we have 10 or more looking to purchase a Garmin we can get them at discounted prices.

STRAVA & Garmin Clipboard

Our team uses Strava and Garmin Clipboard to log our training activity. This allows our coaching staff to view how each athlete is feeling and monitor each athlete's activity. Preferably this is used as a training tool to log your own runs, allow the coaching staff to view training, and monitor progression.

APPAREL

Most of the clothes in your closet can work but here is a list of items that may be needed:

- running shorts

- tank tops and running tops

- comfortable socks

- a hat

- sunblock

- sports bras for girls

- reusable water bottle