Team Information

•Schedule

–The cross country season is in the fall. To prepare for the season, we practice twice per week throughout most of the summer. Practices become more frequent toward the end of the summer. During September, October and the beginning of November, practice is held at 2:45 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM on Saturday.

–We usually have one or two meets per week in September, October and November. All athletes will compete at all meets except the handful that are labeled “Varsity only” on the schedule.

•Competition Levels

–Varsity athletes run a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race.

-There are two levels of Varsity letters that athletes can earn.

-Boys can earn the first level of Varsity letter by running a 5k in under 20 minutes.

-Boys must run under 19:00 at Garret Mountain to earn the upper level Varsity letter.

-Girls can earn the first level of Varsity letter by running a 5k in under 25 minutes

-Girls must run under 23:00 at Garret Mountain in order to earn the upper level Varsity letter.

–Junior Varsity athletes also run a 5 kilometer race

–Freshmen run a 2 mile race

•Team Philosophy

–Our mission is for all members of our team to have fun while getting fit and learning the value of hard work and commitment. We measure success by personal improvement and try to help every athlete realize his/her maximum potential by setting realistic goals and working hard to achieve them. We try to create a positive environment and encourage good sportsmanship.

•Expectations

–We expect that every member of the team will show up every day and give his/her best effort. We never get disappointed with anyone’s performance as long as they are giving 100%. If a member of the team needs to miss practice for a legitimate reason (ie. Illness, dentist appointment…), then he/she is expected to notify the coaches. While representing Wayne Valley Cross Country, all team members are expected to model exemplary behavior at all times.

•Attire

–All members of the team will receive a uniform that must be returned at the end of the season. Uniforms are only to be used at meets. Athletes are expected to have their own shorts and t-shirts for practices. Everyone should have a pair of running shoes, and many members of the team also have a pair of cross country spikes for racing. Shoes can be purchased at stores like Dick's Sporting Goods and Fleet Feet.

•Academics

–We expect everyone to work hard and succeed in school. School takes priority over athletics. We expect all members of the team to budget their time so that they can do all of their homework and still have time for cross country.

•Health

–Wayne Valley has a pair of excellent athletic trainers, Mac and Jenn, who can help the athletes with their injuries. Team members are expected to use ice to treat moderately sore legs, but to visit the trainers for more serious injuries. Team members are also expected to eat a healthy diet and to drink plenty of water. A runner’s body needs lots of water to constantly generate energy.

•Transportation

–Buses will take athletes to and from all meets.

–Most of our meets are at Garret Mountain in Woodland Park, Darlington Park in Mahwah or Holmdel Park in Holmdel.

–If a parent needs to drive an athlete to or from a competition, a form must be filled out and submitted to the athletic office. The form can be found here.

•Parents

–The kids work hard and they need your support. Let them know that you care about what they are doing and that you are impressed by their hard work and dedication.

–Try to come to watch the meets!

–If you are interested in joining the booster club you can help plan t-shirt sales, the team picnic and the team banquet.

•Communication

–If you see the coaches at a meet, come introduce yourself.

–If you have any questions, email me at eschulman@wayneschools.com

–Encourage your sons and daughters to come talk to the coaches if they have any issues or questions.

•Off-season opportunities

–All athletes are encouraged to stay active during the off-season

–The most successful runners also do Winter and Spring Track!

•After High School

–Hopefully, members of our team will develop a love for running that they carry into adulthood. It is a great way to stay fit and healthy, have fun and spend time with friends!

–Several athletes who graduated from our team in the past few years are currently running cross country in college. All athletes interested in running collegiately should consult the coaching staff.

Our team at the breast cancer awareness walk