Registration for winter sports opened on October 13th. Read this article from Mr. Rabberman for more information about registration requirements and instructions on how to register through ParentVue. REGISTRATION INFORMATION
In order to be eligible to practice on day 1, all registration should be completed and APPROVED by Mr. Rabberman prior to beginning practice.
Physicals are now good for 13 months from the date they are signed. If you need a physical, here is the correct MCPS form to use:
Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation for Athletics - Montgomery County Public Schools
Calendar Link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=mcpsmd.net_f4bb2ttk0gm5d4tcuegbqsj0co%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FNew_York
November Highlights:
November 17 – First Practice 2:45 MEET ON THE TRACK
November 24-25 – 12:00 Practice (Half Day & Conferences)
November 26-30 – No Practice
December 1 – 6:30/7pm Parent Meeting
December 4 – MCPS Scrimmage Meet
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kkRTubuKcqzOVFNA5pb1mLkWBQeEF2SzwsbRGgSXu0A/edit?usp=sharing
Seann Pelkey – Seann_P_Pelkey@mcpsmd.org
Nicole Stransky – Nicole_B_Stransky@mcpsmd.org
Volunteer Coaches: Emily Hoefert-Skeen (shot put), Emily & Chad Young
Uniforms: $63.75 (check to Quince Orchard High School). Bring to Pelkey in room P3 and he will give you a jersey. Once the roster becomes official, the purchase will be added to your School Cash Online account for those who can't pay by check. Jerseys are the same as last year and are the same in the fall, winter, and spring, so if you already have one, you don’t need one.
Optional Team Store: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/NzLbETKbbc (Open until 11/19)
Athletic.net - https://www.athletic.net/team/19029/track-and-field-indoor/2025
QO Athletics Indoor Track Page - https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/qoathletics/winter-sports/indoor-track?authuser=0
What do I need to bring to practice?
Athletes should bring a water bottle, a yoga mat/towel, a watch, appropriate running clothes for all weather, appropriate running shoes not more than a year old to practice.
Where do we practice?
Most of our practices will be outside on the track, but we will also frequently be indoor using the weight room. Athletes should be prepared for indoor & outdoor practice every day.
When and how long are practices?
Check-in begins at 2:45 in the cafeteria. Practice begins by 3:00 and will last between 1.5 – 2 hours.
Who makes the team? Is there a tryout?
Everyone who shows commitment is kept on the team. There is no tryout and there are no “cuts”. Every runner can improve.
Is there a JV?
Technically, Indoor Track & Field is a varsity sport, meaning there is no separate JV team. While everyone will earn a varsity participation certificate, not everyone earns a varsity letter. Those criteria will be discussed at our parent meeting.
Will everyone compete?
Not necessarily. We try to attend meets that allow for lots of participation, but all meets will have entry restrictions. We will post our meet entries typically 4-7 days prior to the meet. Participation is not our priority during the winter season.
Do I have to come to every practice?
Yes, athletes are expected to attend every practice. The occasional conflict can be accommodated, especially with strong communication. Athletes with consistent, regular absences will be asked to leave the team.
If I try out for another sport and get cut, can I still come out for indoor track & field?
Absolutely! A parent should email Mr. Rabberman to transfer your registration info over to our roster. Please join as soon as possible after you are cut since you will be starting the season late.
What if I am still playing a fall sport?
You are not required to report to your winter sport until after you fall season completes. Please do register now, however. Check in with coach Pelkey so we can work out a plan to transition you into our season.
What events are contested in indoor track & field?
Sprint/Hurdle Events – 55m Dash, 55m Hurdles, 300m Dash
Middle Distance Events – 500m Run, 800m Run
Distance Events – 1600m Run, 3200m Run
Jumping Events – *Long Jump, *Triple Jump, High Jump
Throwing Events – Shot Put
Relays – 4×200, 4×400, 4×800
*Long Jump and Triple Jump are not contested at the region or state level, but will be contested at just about all other meets.
Is there pole vault?
There is pole vault at the region and state level and at several invitationals, but MCPS does not have pole vault at their meets nor to we have any practice facility. MCPS athletes who have vaulted in the past usually join a club like DC Vault or Sandstorm Vault.
How much do we run at practice?
That depends on the athlete’s events and the workout emphasis. For example, those athletes training for distance events will have longer mileage workouts that those training for short sprints. All athletes, including throwers and jumpers should be prepared to run at practice.
What other equipment is necessary?
In addition to a good pair of training shoes. Athletes may also want to have competition shoes, often called "spikes". Spikes are not a requirement to compete, but are encouraged depending on your events. There are sprint spikes (events less than 400m), distance spikes (1600m and above), as well as jump spikes and shot put shoes. Sprinters, jumpers, and shot putters are the only athletes who practice occasionally in their spikes (if they have them). Distance and middle distance do not.
Here is a beginner's guide to spikes: https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/gear-guides/running-spikes-buying-guide.html
What else do we do at practice?
In addition to running, we work on flexibility, running efficiency, core strength, and speed mechanics. Our focus this season will be on general strength training in the weight room as well as track & field fundamentals & speed development.
How long is our season?
Our season begins on November 15th and continues through the MPSSAA Championship meet in February.
Is track & field experience required for participation?
Not at all. In fact, most of our new competitors come with very limited experience, especially through the past year and a half of pandemic. We’ll start where you are and build from there.
Will there be practice over winter break?
Possibly, on allowed days, but not likely. For athletes traveling over break, workouts will be provided. AM weather and coach travel plans will play a big role in our decision to practice over break or not.
The following winter break dates are restricted per MCPS: 12/25 & 1/1. NOTE: 12/24*, 12/31* – *practices and contests must end by 6:00
Will we practice in the cold?
Yes. It’s winter. Coaches will prepare a workout that is proper for the conditions. Generally if temperatures are below 40 degrees, sprint workouts especially will be modified or indoors.
MCPS Parent Square will be the primary method of team communication.
Follow us:
X: @QOXCTF
Instagram: @QOHSXCTF
Facebook Group: QO Indoor Track & Field
Join Quince Orchard on AthleticAPP –
Download AthleticAPP to stay in touch with athletes, coaches, and parents on Quince Orchard Track & Field Indoor (HS) by visiting go to anet.io/2J9DNTZFV to get started. Team Code = 2J9DNTZFV