Who can participate in cross country?
Anyone can come out for cross country at any time. Our team philosophy is to introduce the sport to as many as possible and to promote an appreciation for lifetime fitness.
Are there cuts?
The great thing about running is everyone gets to participate. Cross Country is a "non-cut" sport, which means if you come to practice on a daily basis, work hard and run in our scheduled races you make the team. It is also important to realize that cross country is a full time commitment and will involve sacrificing things that you love. It is often said that "commitment is not convenient" and deciding to join the team should not be done hastily; it is important that each athlete count the cost and commit to finishing what they start.
Who makes Varsity?
The top 7 runners make up the Varsity team. Athletes may move up and down from JV to Varsity depending on the needs of the team and the improvement of the runner.
What do you wear to practice?
Shorts, Shirt, Socks, Shoes and watch are required! Running shoes can be purchased at any specialty running store as well as department stores. Breathable shoes like adidas, Asics, etc are recommended and allow the proper support needed when running on the trails. On hot days athletes should bring a water bottle, cold days athletes should bring sweats.
When are the practices?
We practice Monday through Friday from 2:45 to 5:30 pm and also on Saturday mornings when we do not have a race. Some practice may be moved to early morning or evening due to weather conditions. A master practice schedule will be sent out at the start of the season and any updates will be e-mailed weekly.
Please note: while we welcome all athletes, attendance is mandatory. Athletes must be disciplined and manage your time effectively to honor your commitment to the team. A wise parent once told me, "If you want to bad enough you will find a way." Talk to your teammates and coaches to help you get to and from practice!
Where does the Cross Country team practice?
Most of our practices will be held off campus at various trails and parks in the South Bay. We take every precaution to assure your son or daughter’s safety: coaches run with the team and we welcome any parent volunteers who are interested in joining us. Safety measures will be discussed at the start of the season, all students are instructed to always run with a partner and never run alone! You can find a list of the most common places we run under the "Places We Run" link on the top of the page.
How do athletes get to Practice?
A posted bus schedule will be available on the team blog and sent in weekly e-mail correspondence. We will have a round trip bus to our practice sites. Parents are welcome to pick up their son or daughter at the location listed at 5:15 pm, however any athlete not picked up by the bus departure must return to school, even if the parents are in route. It is strongly encouraged that parents and athletes arrange a carpool with those who live in the same area.
Where do they race?
Different schools host races at different locations. Please see the schedule posted online on the team’s page at www.gowarriors.net and our team blog at www.vcrunning.com.
Who do they race against?
We will race against various schools, mostly from Northern California. Some races will host teams from around the nation and must meet qualifying times to enter. Athletes race in divisions based on ability, grade and gender.
How long is the race?
Races are 2-3 miles in length and vary in difficulty.
What time are the races?
Each race has a different start time. Races on the weekend are generally in the morning, weekday races usually have a 2 pm or later start.
How does my child get to the race?
We have round trip busses to and from the race. Athletes are required to travel with the team to the race unless arranged prior to race day with the coach. Athletes may go home with their parent at the end of their race but must check out with the head coach before they leave. Students returning to the school for pick-up will call on the way home to give an estimated pick-up time. If you cannot pick up your child on time please arrange a carpool with another parent.
Is running an individual or team sport?
Cross Country is a team of individuals. We try to focus on as much as the team aspect of cross country as possible. This means that at times an athlete may need to compete at a higher grade level (athletes are allowed to compete against older athletes, but cannot move “down” a grade level). In general, the top 7 fastest runners on a team are considered Varsity regardless of grade.
What do they wear in races?
You will purchase your uniform in the team's spirit pack (returning runners only will need to purchase items that need to be replaced). They are top of the line performance singlets used by collegiate and professional runners. The cost is about $30 for the top, $30 for the shorts and the athletes will keep them for future use. This singlet is also the uniform to be used in Track & Field.
What are the team rules?
Team rules will be discussed at the start of the season and at the parent meeting in August. Here are a few things we will be stressing this season:
- Athletes are expected to participate in all practices. Inconsistent attendance increases the risk of injury and hurts the team's performance.
- Athletes who are entered in invitationals will confirm entry approximately 2-weeks before the event. Confirmed athletes who do not race will not be allowed to compete in the next race and expected to reimburse entry fees.
When does Cross Country start?
Summer conditioning starts in June and continues through the end of summer. The first day of practice is Friday, August 14. All athletes must have a physical on file in the athletic office before you are cleared to practice.
What is the team philosophy?
We believe that everyone on the team has a role and can give something to the team. Some it may be by winning races, others leadership, others a strong work ethic. Each person is an intricate part of the team and has an important role. As a member of the Warrior Cross Country program you have chosen to challenge yourself and your teammates to use your God-given talent and passion to bring glory to God! You have agreed to push yourself and always strive for excellence. Most importantly you have accepted the challenge to be an upstanding student-athlete in the sports community and be Christ-like in all you do.
If you have any additional questions, please e-mail Coach Small at joshsmall@gmail.com.
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