Incoming Athletes 2023

Hello Panthers, 

It is time to start planning the 2023 Cross Country Season and I could not be more excited. I am working hard on schedules, programming, finalizing coaching staff, and working with Boosters to ensure that we level up our team bonding events this year. 

In the last 3 years, one thing has become clear: this is a team of motivated, fun-loving athletes who learn to set ambitious goals and work collectively for both individual and team success. We have learned that the promise of a delicious snack can get us through tough workouts and the encouragement of our teammates can get us through ANYTHING! We are excited to take another trip around the sun with returning runners and even more excited to welcome new runners -- and their families -- to the team. 

Urgent Housekeeping Items: 

1. If you plan to join the team next year, Coach Hale needs to know ASAP (complete and share the interest form below). We have a 1st period athletic PE section in the Fall and highly recommend that athletes join the course. You can run for us without being enrolled; however, the bulk of training occurs during the class time. The course provides elective credit for students and allows for time in optimal weather conditions to push hard in practices; during class we balance running workouts, the weight room to address muscular imbalances and improve injury prevention, and we use classroom space to learn about race strategy, nutrition, and hydration. 

2023 Cross Country Interest form: I will use the information from this form to create email lists and training groups. 

2. In order to participate in training or competition, we need a completed Physical Clearance. You can find all the links on the West Park High School Website Athletics Page -- here’s the link . Or click over to the Athlete Clearance page for instructions. Physicals need to be dated after May 15, 2023 and need to be completed before July 31. You must be cleared to participate in ANY practice/ competition. I know that Primary Pediatricians are very busy in the summer with physicals.   You may also consider a “sports physical” at a local Urgent care.  These are often less booked, lower cost and will meet the school requirements. Just make sure to use the form provided on the WPHS clearance page.

3. The summer conditioning program runs for 3 weeks in June. Practice is 3 days a week: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8-10:30am. Athletes are not required to attend but are encouraged. Athletes who cannot attend but want to condition over summer will be given a workout calendar to follow and a training log to complete. Coach-led summer practice will end on June 29 and will resume on Monday, July 31. 

4. We will host a summer get together and meet and greet. Details TBD. 

5. Getting things started is the most hectic part of the season. Please communicate with me and don’t hesitate to ask questions or advocate for what you need.New and returning parents can find parent support through the boosters website: http://xc.westparkboosters.org/cross-country-info/

I can communicate with new athletes and their families via email until graduation. After graduation, we can communicate face to face or on the phone. My email is shale@rjuhsd.us. Returning athletes and parents: feel free to email or text. Returning athletes may also bring up questions/comments with their captains.  

I look forward to another great summer and an even better season. If you know of anyone who may be interested but is not on this email thread, feel free to forward the information and my contact information. 

Sonya Hale

WPHS English and Cross Country