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.

Our season lasts 8 weeks. We typically participate in 3-4 league meets, then division and section finals (playoffs) in mid-October. Practice is held Monday through Thursday from 2:45-4:15 p.m.  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. Depending on how many students join the team, we may limit large numbers for supervision & safety reasons. 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.

We compete in the East Side Athletic League.There are three divisions for each gender: 8th grade, 7th grade, and “C” (under 5’2”). We may take anywhere from 5 to 10+ runners in each category. Competitors are determined through qualifying runs at practice. The competing roster often changes from meet to meet. If you do not qualify for meet #1, you may still qualify for meet #2; conversely, if you qualify for meet #1, there is no guarantee you will compete in meet #2. Try your best every day and you have a good chance at making the meets. 

You must maintain a 2.0+ GPA to compete in meets, with no Ds, Fs, or U citizenship grades. The 1st Quarter progress report will determine academic eligibility.

Meet Jerseys

Coaches will distribute jerseys to athletes who qualify for the first meet. Jerseys are signed-out for the whole season, and athletes must return them after section finals. Athletes must wash their jersey before returning it. Damaged or lost jerseys must be paid for ($TBD); certain penalties will apply if payment is not received (ineligibility to register for another sport, ineligibility to attend dance or other extra-curricular activity).

Cross country is a no cut sport and welcomes all eligible Chaboya students.

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. The competing roster often changes from meet to meet. If you do not qualify for meet #1, you may still qualify for meet #2; conversely, if you qualify for meet #1, there is no guarantee you will compete in meet #2. Try your best every day and you have a good chance at making the meets.

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/HITT/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 and 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