Team,
This email will be long because there is just a lot to go over. Please read it all as it is all important info.
Registration
You MUST be registered by tomorrow to be able to attend practices. This means that you have had to complete the registration, turned in your physical, and a need aspect is you need to have this COVID Form printed out and signed - this is a different one from summer. You can bring it to Coach Douglass either today during practice or your first official day of practice.
Practice Expectations
You are expected to be at practice every day. If you are unable to practice you (the athlete) need to email a coach before practice starts stating that you are missing and giving the reason. Failure to do so will result in an unexcused absence and can result in you not running the meet that week. At the beginning of practice, you need to check in with coaches for attendance and to get your temperature checked. Please have a mask every day. Athletes are expected to do abs on their own after practice.
Long Run
Coaches are no longer able to organize carpools. Therefore, we will have practice start at 3:30 at Goodson Rec Center for the long run. Athletes will need to find their own way there. If transportation is a struggle, one coach will stay at the school so those athletes will still have a coach to do their long run with.
Long Run Dates- August 19, August 24, September 7, September 14, September 21
Morning Practices
As in years past, we will be offering optional morning practices. Coaches will hold two practices that day, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. Athletes will need to attend 1 practice (some varsity runners will be doubling these days but we will talk to those athletes individually). For morning practices we will meet at Daniels Park off of Grigs road at 5:45
Morning Practice Dates- August 27, September 4, September 8, September 15
Meet Schedule, Training Schedule, Important Dates
Due to CHSAA guidelines, the meet schedule will look drastically different than in years past. Most of the big meets that we go to are not hosting meets this year. Therefore, we will be having more meets that are smaller with fewer teams. The meet schedule is where I assume we will have the most questions. Please plan on everyone (parents and athletes) attending the parent meeting on Tuesday, August 18th at 4:45 in the front of the school - at the bench where we start practice in the parent drop off loop. All coaches will be there to go over important information and most importantly answer any questions that you have. The following day - Wednesday, August 19th we will be having Spike Night at Runners Roost Lone Tree. While there, their knowledgeable staff will help our athletes get fitted for shoes. Athletes receive discounts and the team will get a portion of the money spent given back to the program. Right below you will find a meet schedule and a training schedule. The training schedule is subjected to change but that way you can see what we will be doing during practice.
Parents/Spectators
The coaches truly love our parent support group however there are some CHSAA guidelines that we need to follow this season. During a meet, spectators are allowed (but individual meets are allowed to say no spectators). Spectators need to practice social distancing and wear a mask, even when outside. Again, we love seeing you lining the course and I know the athletes love it as well, we just need to make sure that we follow CHSAA guidelines. At the parent meeting, we will go over how to get involved this year with the boosters and how you can help continue our tradition of team.
T-Shirts/Uniforms
At meets we expect athletes to be wearing HR gear. We also have HR shirts for parents! Both shirts will have the same front - the parent's back say "Support Crew" while the athletes say "Falcon in Training". We will have these shirts at the parent meeting and during the season. You can purchase additional gear from our online store. Our online store ships directly to your house. All athletes will also be issues uniforms the week following Q-Man.
Health/Wellness
Cross country is one of the most demanding sports around. We pride ourselves on keeping our athletes healthy and injury-free. If an athlete is feeling hurt they should speak with a coach right away and the coach will direct them down to the trainers. Please see the trainer for an injury before going to the doctors. Proper nutrition and water consumption are also super important to be the best runner you can. This document outlines sports nutrition, recovery, and how to maintain health.
Anything Else
Whoa, long email. However, if you have any other questions please reach out to the coaches either via email or at the parent meeting. We truly have a great team - in talent, dedication, participation, and culture and we want that to continue this year.
