Cross Country

Cross Country is a 2 mile race that is run on natural terrain. The team will be competing on dirt trails, running up and down hills, making the races exciting and challenging. The only equipment needed are running shoes and a water bottle.

We compete in the East Side Athletic League. There are three cross country divisions for each gender – 8th grade, 7th grade, and “C” (under 5’2”). Depending on the meet host school’s decision, we take anywhere from 5 to 10 or more runners for each category. Competitors are determined through qualifiers at practice. The competing roster always changes from meet to meet. If an athlete does not qualify for meet #1, they may still qualify for meet #2; conversely, if they qualify for meet #1, there is no guarantee they will compete in meet #2. Athletes are encouraged to try their best every day to have a good chance at making the meets. A 2.0+ GPA must be maintained to compete in meets, with no Ds, Fs, or U citizenship grades. Grades will be checked at the 1st quarter progress report.

Meet Jerseys

T.B.D.

The season lasts 8 weeks. Practice is held Monday through Thursday from 2:45-4:15 p.m. There are no buses available after practice. Athletes must be picked up by 4:30 p.m. If your ride comes after 4:30 p.m. you risk ineligibility for the upcoming meet. There will be a qualifier “race” after roughly 2 weeks of conditioning whereupon the coaches will determine a cut-off time in order to participate in meets.

Where to Meet: Practice begins at 2:45 p.m. on the P.E. roll call numbers outside the locker rooms.
What to Wear: You must dress in your P.E. clothes or appropriate athletic attire and running shoes.
Warm Up: We always run 2 warm-up laps on the track and stretch before the workout.
Practice: Daily runs are typically 3+ miles, and often include hills. We also do interval training, sprint workouts, and cardio/”H.I.I.T.”/crossfit drills to build strength and stamina.

Necessities and Preparation

Please make an effort to stay hydrated throughout the day, not just before practice, and even if it’s not hot outside. We strongly recommend purchasing a reusable water bottle (preferably 24 oz. or larger). There are bottle-filling stations in the gym and outside the F-pod. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch – DO NOT skip meals! Eat your fruits and vegetables. Your body needs protein and vitamins to successfully run long distances & hills. Avoid fast food, junk food, & soda. 

September and October are very warm months. Please wear sunscreen daily. You may wear a hat and or sunglasses as well. 

Proper footwear is required to participate. You need a sturdy, comfortable pair of running shoes with good tread/traction. Spikes are unnecessary for trail running. Improper footwear may result in injury. If you are not wearing appropriate running shoes you will be sent home.

Attendance and Absences 

Athletes must come to practice EVERY day. If you have another obligation (doctor, dentist, etc.) you must inform a coach during the school day – NOT after school or the next day. Two unexcused absences will result in ineligibility to compete in meets. Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team. Please keep in mind that if you have another long-term obligation (music lessons, a club sport, after school club, tutoring, etc.) you will reduce your ability to get in shape and chances to qualify for meets. Please note – missing practice to finish homework, study for a test, or complete a project is NOT excused. 

Expectations at Practice

Runners will:

• follow all school rules and instructions from coaches
• treat coaches, managers, and teammates with courtesy and respect
• participate with a good attitude and sportsmanship.
• respect our neighbors’ property 
• exercise caution and common sense – looking both ways before crossing streets, respecting pedestrians’ right-of-way, staying on sidewalks/trails, etc.
• report ALL injuries or problems to a coach immediately
• follow the announced course (no shortcuts). 

Failure to adhere to any of these policies may result in ineligibility to compete or removal from the team.
  *1st infraction: verbal warning. 2nd infraction: notify parents; ineligible for meet. 3rd infraction: removal

Coaches will review safety guidelines for practice and meets with athletes.  We follow Santa Clara County Health  and East Side Athletic guidelines. Please contact Chaboya Athletic Director Mr. Mike Bocca for additional details.