Who should I contact if I have any questions?
Coach Scott
Email: michaelscott341@smsd.org
Where should runners meet after school for practice?
Athletes should pack up their backpacks and make space for ALL school supplies to be zipped inside their backpacks (laptops, phones, and headphones/earbuds included). Coaches will meet athletes in the MPR (cafeteria). Athletes should arrive at the MPR (cafeteria), put their backpacks in the designated space, and join their teammates to be ready for practice with a filled and labeled water bottle.
How long/when is practice? Is there a late bus?
3:55-5:15 everyday of the week. Athletes can be picked up near the tennis courts. There is no late bus available. Athletes need to be picked up by 5:25 in the back parking lot by the tennis courts. If an athlete plans to walk home, please notify coaches.
Do athletes need actual running shoes?
Yes! It's important for athletes to wear running shoes and to dress for the weather (NO jeans at practice). Especially at the beginning of the season, it will be extremely hot. Shorts and dri-fit type fabric will help athletes stay cool.
Is there any other gear we have to purchase?
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Can my athlete run with a cell phone/headphones/music/earbuds/Apple Watches/Garmin watches?
The short answer is no. We want athletes focused on running and we want practice to have the same expectations as a meet. No cell phones, earbuds/headphones are allowed at practice. They should be in the athlete's backpack which we will store in a locked location during practice. Athletes who have Apple Watches or Garmin watches may use them to record their time, but they shouldn't be used for texting, playing games, music, etc. Cell phones are also not allowed at meets. Frequently team tents are unsupervised and the risk of theft is high. If parents need to contact their athlete during a meet, they should use the messaging feature in the Band app and a coach will get the message to the athlete.
How far do athletes run during practice?
Practice is always geared to the athlete's individual needs and abilities. Some athletes will begin the season running 1 mile total, with frequent breaks. Other athletes will run up to 6 miles by the end of the season. A consistent running pace (without the need to walk) will be the main focus for many (if not most) athletes early in the season.
What if it rains/is too hot/snows?
During the course of a cross country season, we experience all kinds of weather. Rain doesn't cancel practice. In fact, some of our most memorable practices happen on rainy days. However, if there is lightning, we will either move practice indoors or (very rarely) cancel practice. Early in the season, it will be hot. Athletes must hydrate (with water) all day to prepare for practice conditions. We follow KSHSAA guidelines concerning heat and will modify practice accordingly. As the season progresses, it can get cold. Athletes are allowed to wear black or white running tights and long-sleeved compression shirts under their uniforms and should have sweatpants/sweatshirts to wear during warm ups.
What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for practice and meets, athletes must be passing 5 classes. Ineligible students will not be allowed to practice until they are passing 5 classes. If a student is absent from school, he/she may not attend practice. Students who are absent the day of a meet will not be allowed to race. Students who spend more than half the school day in ISS will not be allowed to practice or compete in a meet. Students who have received an OSS are not allowed to practice or compete.
Is there a summer running program?
Yes! Coach Stigge with SMNW will reach out to you via email to let you know.