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 their Cuts?
The great thing about running is everyone gets to participate in every race. 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. However, missing practice and races will result in being removed from the team.
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 sweat pants.
When are the practices?
We practice Monday through Friday from 3:15 to 5:30 pm and also on Saturdays we do not have a race. It is the athlete's responsibility to check the practice schedule to know where we will be and when. If you know ahead of time that your child will not be able to make practice to please e-mail both coaches at jsmall@vcs.net and jleeruns@yahoo.com to let us know. While we welcome all athletes, attendance is mandatory. Athletes who have an unexcused absence (this includes when students forget their clothes, have excessive homework, do not have a ride home, etc.). A wise parent once told me, "If you want to bad enough you will find a way." Talk to your teammates and coaches, excuses are not excepted.
Where do they practice?
Most of our practices will be held off campus at various trails and parks in the South Bay. While we take every precaution to assure your son or daughter’s safety, we can never eliminate the possibility of an accident. Coaches run with the team along with parent volunteers. Students are instructed to always run with a buddy and never run alone! For direction to where we run click the "Places We Run" link on the top of the page.
How do athletes get to Practice?
We will have a posted bus schedule on the team blog as well as be passed out at practice. We will have a one way bus to our practice sites and parents are to pick up their son or daughter at the location listed. We will have a school van for athletes to place their personal belongings during practice time. It is 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 their grade and gender.
How long is the race?
Races are usually 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, week day 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 to give a 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 is new this year?
The cross country team will be getting new uniforms. They are top of the line performance singlets used by collegiate and professional runners. We will purchase the uniform (about $25 for the top, $20 for the shorts) and keep for use over the next four years. This singlet is also the “distance” uniform to be used in Track & Field. This uniform will be used for a minimum of 3-4 years.
Some new rules will also be in place for the upcoming year:
- All athletes must wear the team warm-up top to the race to be considered in uniform. Athletes not in proper uniform will not be allowed to board the bus.
- Athletes must participate in all practices to race in the next meet. Inconsistent attendance increases the risk of injury and hurts the team's performance. Athletes must participate in A minimum of 4 of the practices a week or will be removed from the team. Varsity is expected to participate in all practices.
- Athletes who participate in invitationals will confirm entry 2-weeks before the event. Confirmed entries who do not race will not be allowed to compete in the next race.
For 10th-12th graders the first day of practice is August 18th at 3:15. Athletes are to meet on the track at the Cross dressed and ready to go. Freshman practice begins on August 19th at 3:15. All athletes must have a physical and the "parental permission to play" forms on file in the athletic office before you are cleared to practice.
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.
Run Fast!
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