XC and T&F Booster Club

The coaching staff and Board Members are working to make the 2024-2025 XC and T&F season full of amazing experiences for "Our Pack".

Parents and guardians, we are always looking for VIPs (Very Involved Parents / Guardians) who would like to help make an impact! Feel free to reach out to us at wthsxctfbooster@gmail.com. We are currently looking for VIPs who are interested in becoming part of a fantastic executive board. The Vice-President and Historian positions will both be available after the Winter Track & Field Season comes to a close. If anyone has any interest, please feel free to contact us.

For those of you who are new to our program this is an interactive newsletter, a centralized area for information. There are hyperlinks to the teams' website, information related to meets, among other things. Just click on the buttons or words / phrases that are underlined and typically colored blue.

This latest newsletter is predominantly geared towards our distance runners, as we enter into the Cross Country (XC) season. However, members of the Track & Field (T&F) team will find much of the information useful too.

Content of Newsletter:

- Head Coaches of TWP Cross Country

- 2024 Fall Sports Registration

- XC Frequently Asked Questions

- Suggested Reading (For our student-athletes, parents & guardians)

- Important Dates: 2024 XC Schedule (may be subject to change throughout the school year)

We look forward to the time when we are together again. Until then stay healthy and enjoy every moment!

#ThePowerofThePack

#OneTeamOneDream

#WeAreTwp

Best Regards,

The Executive Board and Coaching Team

Q1: Does my child need special running shoes to run cross country?

A1: NO, kids are able to run in standard running shoes (find one that is comfortable for you). However, a pair of running spikes help to prevent slipping and falling on muddy or wet courses when competing. If you do decide to get spikes, please ensure you have 1/4" spikes.

Q2: Will I be able to watch my child run?

A2: YES, most courses have multiple viewing points. Cross country has always been a sport that allows spectators to participate as much or as little as they would like. You may go to the start and finish of the race to see your child. OR if you are interested, spectators are able to go to these viewing points by either walking vigorously or sprinting. Please feel free to ask the coaches or other fellow parents/guardians where these viewing points may be or just follow the crowd of spectators running.

Q3: Can my child get hurt from running cross country?

A3: YES, there are risks that come from participating in any sport and running cross country is no exception. Our student-athletes will be exposed to different outdoor terrain that they will need to be prepared to run. Asides from that, cross country running is mostly very safe in comparison to other team sports.

Q4: Can you prevent cross country running injuries?

A3: YES, the best ways to prevent injuries are the following tips:

• Stay Alert. It is important to stay alert while running through different terrains to prevent tripping or falling over roots or other obstacles that may be in your way.
• Stretch daily. For all runners and athletes, a regular stretching regimen is an important part of conditioning. Both static and dynamic stretches are needed to keep your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons healthy.
  
• Warm up and cool down. Muscles and tendons are less likely to overstretch or tear if they’ve been properly prepared for running and racing. High-intensity workouts like training and racing require more prep and post-workout cooldown than low-impact activities.
  
• Wear the right shoes. Make sure your shoes fit properly, that they are neither too snug nor too loose. Tie double-knots to prevent tripping over undone laces. If an orthopedist tells you that you need special inserts like orthotics or gel soles, use them. Break your shoes in before race day and replace them regularly (after every 300 miles).
  
• Eat and drink enough. Competitive distance runners like to keep their weight low. However, consuming too few calories can harm your body. Eat a well-balanced diet and be sure to stay well-hydrated to prevent injury and heat illness. Drink plenty of water before and after running.

Q5: Are parents and / or guardians allowed to take our child home after the meet?

A5: YES, although the coaches would like their student-athletes to ride the bus, they do understand at times parents/guardians may need to either drive them to and/or from the meet themselves. Coaches ask for that to be communicated to them within 24hrs in advance via e-mail. Boys Coach's e-mail: rbostwick@wtps.org and Girls Coach's E-mail: afraction@wtps.org

If you would like to give a "shout out", suggestions and / or feedback please e-mail us.

Email: wthsxctfbooster@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WTHSXCTF/