Why should you do cross country?
Cross country is a sport that mixes hard work and dedication with running. Running for fun or for competition gets a person healthier and in better shape. Cross country is ran during the fall sports season. The season starts in the middle of August and ends at the end of October. It is a great way to get in shape for wrestling, basketball, and track. Runners develop a real sense of self and confidence while learning self discipline and having fun at the same time.
Cross Country Make-up
Varsity teams for both boys and girls are made up of the top 7 runners. All other runners run in JV races. Boys and Girls run in separate races. Middle school runners run in middle school races. Almost all meets have the opportunity for medals.
Shoes & Dress
Shoes are like tires on your car, they need to be maintained or they will ruin your car. Shoes do not have to be expensive, just supportive to your feet. One pair should last at least one season. Spikes for races are optional.
Remember to dress appropriately. That means, always keep a sweatshirt in your locker/bag for days when it is cold.
Fast and Furious Friday
We celebrate cross country every Friday with different activities that are fun, challenging, and build our team unity.
Practices
"There is no glory in practice,
but without practice there is no glory."
Practice Schedule
Practice will be held at the Birch Run Park pavilion starting at 3:00 until 4:30 on school days. You will need to change at the high school, and do your warm up jog to the park. When you get to the park, the captains will begin the stretching. It is important that we stretch as a team. After stretching, you will receive your workout for the day. There may be days when the location of practice is changed. You NEED to be flexible.
Middle School students may put their bag in the back of my truck on practice days and jog to the park as well.
Varsity Letter
Part of running a varsity sport means getting a varsity letter that signifies your achievements on a sports team and displaying effort and ability.
The point system for gaining a letter in Cross Country is as follows:
1 point earned for each practice attended
2 points earned for each meet attended
1 point earned for each reasonable goal made on your goal cards
1 point earned for every time you beat your last meet’s time
5 points earned for being noticed as a team leader or setting an example of what being an athlete is all about.
5 points lost for every unexcused/missed practice
1-5 points lost for negative comments or team put-downs
Points will be totaled at the end of the season, and your letter will be awarded at the end of the season.
All points are subject to Coach Rothe’s final decision.
Remember SCHOOL WORK AND GRADES!!!!!!!! You can be a student and an athlete, but you can’t be an athlete without being a student!!!
If you can’t make a practice, you must call me and let me know.
Please keep me informed of any changes or problems you are having. Injuries, aches, school, etc. Feel free to contact me at any point during the season with questions.
“Remember….the cross country season is won during the off season!!”
Coach Rothe
