What is Cross Country ?

Greetings runners and runners-to-be,

This is a re-post from a while ago, but since the middle schools are visiting the high school soon I wanted to move it to the top of the blog. What follows is a little description of our beloved sport for those who have decided to check out our blog and may be interested in joining the team.

Description:

Cross Country is competitive distance running over varied terrain which may include open fields, dirt/mud, gravel and single track trails. Races are generally 2 miles for Freshman and 5k (3.1 miles) for JV and Varsity teams. Races are divided into categories of Freshman/Sophomore, JV and Varsity. Races are scored with team and individual results. Team scores consist of the combined total of a teams first five runners individual places. The team with the lowest score wins.

Who:

Technically, Pattonville boys and girls teams are separate, but we generally practice and race at the same venues. No prior running experience is necessary, but beginning runners are highly encouraged to slowly build into running over the summer. Distance running needs to be approached very gradually, so please contact one of the coaches for a training plan to start running off in a productive and injury free manor.

Program Mission
1. The development of SELF-CONFIDENCE (self esteem) and individual growth.
2. Develop a healthy and POSITIVE attitude toward hard work, competition and competitors.
3. The realization that nothing of real value is achieved without hard work and commitment.
4. Encourage sportsmanship, cooperation and TEAM unity.
5. Promote a lifelong commitment to physical fitness.
6. Create a FUN atmosphere and encourage SMILING.
7. Pursue Excellence!

Coaching Philosophy
1. Create a POSITIVE environment for learning, competition and FUN.
2. POSITIVE role modeling of FITNESS and ATTITUDE.
3. Innovative and creative methods to achieve SUCCESS and FUN.
4. Help athletes individually to approach individual potential.
5. Promote TEAM concept and mutual respect with and among athletes.
6. To have INTEGRITY.


2012 Cross Country Coaching Staff

Boys Head Coach: Coach Jeremiah Simmons
Asst. Coach: Coach Willie Wessels

Girls Head Coach: Coach Scott Fader
Asst. Coach: Coach Kathy Zoll

Length of Season:

We have pre-season training through the summer. Summer running is essential to a successful cross country season. Official practice begins the second week in August and continues till the end of October. The State meet is usually the first weekend in November.

Practice Times:

We practice at 2:30pm on school days. Students will be finished in time to ride the 5:30 activity bus.

We will occasionally have weekend practices and also practice on days without school.

Practice is REQUIRED.

Practice Sites:

Practices are held on multiple sites including school grounds, parks, and local roads.

Competitions:

Meets are usually on Saturdays, but a few are held after school on weekdays. Athletes will not compete in more than 10 races in a season. Races are usually held on school campuses or parks.

Equipment needed:

Cross Country requires very little gear and is a relatively inexpensive sport. However, a good pair of running shoes is by far the most important investment you can make in terms of expense. Many runners who have decided that Cross country is the sport for them also purchase a second pair of shoes called "spikes" for racing.

An inexpensive watch and a water bottle are also items which will be used daily.

What is a race like?

Check out the following videos to get an idea.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf6cKNrv0Vc - watch for us getting off the bus and warming up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIlBJ7ky4c4&feature=related - a really big local meet that we attend each year

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35K7YXxuXcs&feature=related - a clip from the 2009 State Meet. Watch closely for a couple Pirate runners.

That looks fun, right?

In coming 9th graders or anyone else interested in Cross Country should email or call their Coaches (see below) to introduce yourself, receive summer training info and/ or ask any questions you may have. Also, watch this blog for announcements of upcoming summer activities and other information about the Pattonville Cross Country Teams.

Boys Coach - Coach Simmons
Email: jsimmons@psdr3.org
School Phone: (314) 213-8051 ext. 8907

Girls Coach - Coach Fader
Email: sfader@psdr3.org
School Phone:(314) 213-8051 ext. 8314