Tryouts & Cuts

Our Track & Field program takes great pride in our "no-cut" philosophy. We firmly believe that any student-athlete willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication deserves the opportunity to be part of our team, develop their athletic abilities, and compete.

However, to ensure the safety and development of our athletes, we want to clarify how this philosophy applies to specific event groups.

Technical Event Roster Limits: 

While we do not make cuts from the team based on performance, we must place roster limits on our highly technical event groups: Sprints, Jumps, Hurdles, and Throws.

These limits are strictly based on safe and effective coach-to-athlete ratios. Technical events require highly individualized instruction, specific equipment, and closely monitored repetitions. If these event groups become too large, our coaches can no longer effectively coach mechanics and technique; they are forced to become supervisors and crowd managers. To maintain a safe environment and a high standard of instruction, spots in these technical groups are limited and competitive.

The D-Crew: 

If an athlete does not secure a spot in a technical event group, they are not cut from the team.

Instead, athletes who do not make the cut as a sprinter, jumper, hurdler, or thrower are highly encouraged to join our D-Crew (Distance Runners). The D-Crew is our dedicated, absolute no-cut event group. Distance running allows us to safely accommodate a much larger group of athletes while still providing excellent training, team camaraderie, and the opportunity to compete at a high level.

Summary:

• The Program: 100% No-Cut. If you want to be on the team, you are on the team.

• Technical Events (Sprints, Jumps, Hurdles, Throws): Roster limits apply based on safe coach-to-athlete ratios.

• The D-Crew (Distance): No limits, no cuts.

Our ultimate goal is to build great athletes and even better people. Whether an athlete is clearing hurdles, throwing the shot put, or logging miles with the D-Crew, they are an equally valued member of this program.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Brandon Tripp

brandontripp@wsdr4.org

314-593-8102