Option 1 would be to join the Middle School team through Community Education. This is a program that really introduces the runners to Cross Country and is for 6-8th graders. Running is widely known, however, Cross Country Running as a sport is one that not as many people know about. The Middle School CC season starts on Wednesday, September 4th and concludes Wednesday, October 9th. It will be a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday commitment for practices, with meets on Fridays of the 13th and 27th of September and Wednesday, October 9th. Race lengths will vary, but are usually in the range of 1 mile to 2 miles.
For a Middle School athlete that fits more into this option, please follow this link to Register and for more information about Community Education programs: https://www.ahschools.us/communityeducation Please note that registration will not open until August 1st.
Option 2 would be to join the High School team through Coon Rapids High School. This is a grade 7-12 Minnesota State High School League program that will not only introduce the sport of Cross Country Running but help the athletes reach for higher goals, prepare for other sports throughout the year, and help develop the student/athletes become stronger citizens. It is a 12 week program that starts on August 12th and will continue to the end of October, unless someone qualifies for the State Meet. Practices are Monday through Friday's, with an occasional Saturday practice or Meet (race).
Most High School races are 5k (3.1 miles) in length, but at every meet, with the exception of a couple, there are shorter options for runners, ranging from about 1.5 miles to 2 miles in length. As a program, we have always had our Middle School runners compete in the shorter distances against other teams and individuals that are closer in age and ability. As these runners develop, we work with them and allow them to decide when they would like to be challenged more and feel they (along with the help of their family) are ready to run more 5k's, and even try for Varsity position on the team.
There will be a District 11 policy that we will have to follow in order to have a Middle School runner compete on the Varsity teams, but being a sport that is measured by time and who is the fastest, if a Middle School runner is fast enough and mentally ready to compete at that level, we help them get there.
There will be organized practices throughout the summer, starting June 3rd, with information about location and time posted on our blog page, Facebook page, and Google Classroom on a weekly basis, to help the runners be better prepared for the start of the season. These practices are not mandatory nor do they cost anything. These practices are also a great way for the younger and new runners to meet the returning team members and become more comfortable with running and learn a little more about the little things, behind the scene items, of Cross Country Running. This is an opportunity open to those Middle Schoolers that even feel option 1 is more their fit. Just because they choose to run with the High School, it does not mean they have to commit to the High School team.
For someone who feels that the High School program is the right one for them, please go to the page on the right side of this blog that pertains to registration under Handbook/Team Information. Please note two other items in regards to signing up. One is that a current physical will need to be on file with the high school, and two, registration will not open until near the end of July.
Either option that one takes is a positive! For any further questions about Middle School Cross Country Running, please let me know by commenting to this page and I can help direct you to the answers you are seeking.
Thanks,
Denny
Thanks,
Denny
No comments:
Post a Comment