Cross Country is a team running sport in which a team of 5 – 7 runners competes. Runners score points based on their place in the race. The team with the lowest score wins. Every runner on the team is important and must have the drive to pass as many competitors as possible. Runners 1 through 5 directly effect the team score, while runners 6 and 7 directly effect other teams scores by taking places. They also are used to break ties.

There is no additional fee to participate in Cross Country. Each member of the team will be loaned a uniform consisting of a top and short which will need to be returned upon the completion of the season. There is, however some equipment which you will want to have.

A positive attitude: Having a positive attitude will help make the workouts seem less like work, keep you on track to achieving your goals, and make even the biggest challenges seem smaller.

A good pair of running shoes: This does not necessarily mean an expensive pair of running shoes. You can buy shoes from Run –N- Fun, or any of the other running stores in the area. Most of them will offer a discount for high school runners (Run –N– Fun is located on Randolph Avenue near Victoria, East of CDH).

Athletes should have a pair of spikes for the races. These shoes can be purchased at the store where you bought your training shoes. Most of the top varsity and junior varsity runners will have them, but it is up to you. They are lighter and offer greater traction.

A watch with a stopwatch: Having a watch with a stopwatch is necessary for timing during workouts. Workouts are set up on an individual basis. In order to get the most out of a workout you will need to know your time(s). A watch will also give you good feed back about your performance for the day and allow you to compare and evaluate your efforts from day to day.

You are expected to attend practice everyday that you are at school and Saturdays. We will have practices every weekday from the beginning of the season in August to the State Meet in November. The only exception to that rule is Labor Day, which we will have off. If you have academic conflicts, please inform Coach Babcock, Coach Docherty, or Coach Leyden personally within 24 hours. You will also need to bring a pass from the teacher you saw. However, you should be able to get most of these things taken care of before school or during homeroom. Use your time wisely.

Weekend runs will be starting at 8:30 AM from the Sibley House in Mendota. You are expected to be at these practices as well. If for some reason you cannot make it to any of these practices let one of the coaches know before hand.

Attendance will be taken at the beginning and the end of practice. Practices will generally end in the fitness center.

The first week of practice will start at 8:00 AM at the Hamline Doors and go until 10:00 AM (roughly). After that practices will be from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM (roughly).

Meet attendance Policy: To compete in meets athletes must be at all practices the week before the meet, unless the absence is excused.
Excused absences:

• Sickness that has kept an athlete home from school
• Academic help with a note from the teacher
• Family situations with communication in advance
• Doctor apt with note from doctor (approving continued participation)

Unexcused absences:

• Too much homework
• Work conflicts
• Injury
• Club Sports practices or games
• Personal grooming

Other situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Transportation via bus will be provided for all the athletes on the team to and from meets. See the schedule for departure times.

Athletes may leave with their parent from the meet at the completion the meet, including the awards ceremony. If you would like your child to ride home with another adult a note will need to be given the day before the meet.

Throughout the season we will be setting goals for the teams. All individuals on the team will contribute to the achievement of these goals. You will also set individual goals to help you measure your progress throughout the season.

At the end of the season we will have a banquet at Mancinni’s. There we will celebrate our accomplishments as individuals and as a team. Individual awards include: MVP, Most Improved, 110% (elected by the team members), and Athletic Letter.

Lettering Policy
Meet the following criteria

1. No unexcused absences/absences that were not communicated within 24 hours
2. Run better than 18:00 for 4K and 19:00 for 5K
3. Be in the top 14 for 50% of the meets or the top 14 at the conference and the section meet
OR
4. A Senior who has completed three seasons

All letter winners will also be in good standing with the team, school, and community throughout the season.