ABOUT CROSS COUNTRY
Everything You Need To Know About Cross Country 2017
FAQ and Rules
1. Who are the coaches?
Head Coach Jeanne Teasdale
Assistant Coaches: Laura Najimy and Al Najimy
2. When are the practices?
Once school starts, we’ll be practicing 3:15-5 p.m. during the weekday and on Saturdays from 10-11:45 or sometimes 9-11 a.m. On occasion, we have shorter practices, especially the day before a cross country meet. I email the practice schedule one week in advance. Always be prepared for practice schedule updates!
3. Where are the practices?
During the school week, practices are at LMMHS with just a few exceptions.
On Saturdays, we meet for practice at various locations: Tanglewood Main Gate, Lenox Community Center, or the Arcadian Shop parking lot.
4. Are practices mandatory? What if I have a conflict? What if I get sick and can’t come to practice?
Yes, practice is mandatory, however, athletes are excused for school related classwork,field trips, family obligations, and illness. It is important that you let Coach Teasdale know if you have to miss a practice. ([email protected])
5. Are there cuts in cross country?
We do not have try-outs. Coming into the season, we expect athletes to be in running shape. Otherwise, it may be difficult to keep up with the workouts at practice and injuries may occur.
6. What is the bonafide team rule?
This is an important MIAA rule. If you miss a cross country practice or meet because of another sporting event or activity, you are in violation of the bonafide team rule. This is a serious offense and you could get dismissed from the team if violated.
7. How will I know when a practice is canceled?
We practice rain or shine, so be prepared. Usually, we announce at the end of the school day if a practice or xc meet is canceled, but please check your email if the weather looks threatening.
8. When does the season start and end?
The season started Thursday, August 24th. The regular season ends on Saturday, October 28th. Only the top ten athletes from each team will continue to practice for post season competition.
9. When and where are the competitions (aka -cross country meets)? How long are the meets?
We have one cross country race per week. There are 7 regularly scheduled races during the season which begin at 4:30 p.m. at various schools in Berkshire County. Boys and girls race separately. We will be attending 2 invitationals this year which will all be on Saturdays. And on October 28th, everyone competes in the Berkshire County Invitational, which is the last race of the season for the entire team. Schedules will be emailed and/or handed out at the parent/athlete meeting on Tuesday, August 29th, at 6:30 p.m.
10. When do I get a uniform? Do I pay for a uniform? Does the school provide one?
The school does issue a cross country uniform. If you lose or damage the uniform, you must pay $50.00 to replace it.
11. What kind of shoes or equipment do I need?
A good pair of running shoes doesn’t need to cost a lot. You will also need to bring a water bottle to practice. We are continuing to “go green” so please refrain from buying the plastic water bottles! It’s a good idea to write your name on the water bottle in case it gets lost. On hot workout days, we have water jugs available, so that you may refill your bottles.
12. Where is the best place to buy cross country spikes? or RUNNING shoes?
Best place around for spikes is Berkshire Running Center, 34 Depot Street, Pittsfield, MA (next to Tito’s Mexican Grill). We will have a Lenox Cross Country Spike night on Thursday, September 7th from 6-8 at Berkshire Running Center. You get 20% off spikes or 10% off merchandise if you don’t buy spikes.
Their phone number is 413-344-4472
13. If I miss school, may I still come to practice on that day or participate in a meet schedule for that day?
Only a few exceptions such as a school-related field trip, PSAT testing, etc. If you were out of school due to illness, you may not practice on that day.
14. May I drive myself or have a family member drive to the cross country meet (competition)?
Never.
15. Do I need to compete in the races? May I just practice with the team?
All team members are required to run in the meets, unless you are injured or sick. We will not enter you in a race until we feel you are ready to compete.
16. Is it okay to leave a meet after I compete? Or do I have to stay till the end, after everyone has competed?
Athletes: Only under special circumstances (such as sickness or injury during the meet) are you allowed to go home with a parent. You are required to take the bus with the team. However, if we are competing in Pittsfield and you live in Pittsfield, you may ride home with a parent. You must bring in a parent note and present it to the athletic director, Mrs. Schultz on the morning of the meet.
17. Does the team do fundraisers? How can I help raise money for the team?
So far, we have one fundraisers this season: The holiday wreath sale in November. We always need to raise money to supplement our overnight cross country invitational trips, seniors gifts, and scholarships and our cross country banquet.
18 Do we have a banquet at the end of the season?
We have a Cross Country banquet at the end of the season in November. This year it will be Monday night, November 20th in the Lenox Cafeteria followed by the awards ceremony in the Duffin Theater. Everyone on the team and their families are invited. More details later.
19. How do I receive my varsity letter for cross country?
For the athletes who consistently score for our team (usually a top 5 finisher for the team each week), you will receive your varsity letter. We also award varsity letters to seniors who have been committed to our team throughout their high school career.
20. What about the New Jewelry Rule in cross country?
The jewelry rule has been abolished! You may wear earrings, nose ring, etc. You will not be disqualified.
21. How do I get on the email mailing list?
If you are not on the email list, please email Coach Teasdale @ [email protected]
22. What kinds of snacks should I eat before practice or meet? How much hydration do I need?
Throughout the season, we have informative talks on the subject of nutrition and injury prevention. Athletes should let the coaches know if they do not feel well. We never encourage runners to train through an injury. We also discourage our team members to enter other events such as road races unless they are approved by the coaches. Overtraining and racing too much is worse than under training!
23. Why are the safety rules so important?
We have over 55 members of our team and your safety is important. We will never allow runners to run alone. When we are running on the road, we must run single file!
24. What are Invitationals?
Cross Country invitationals are usually run on a Saturday and include teams outside our league. It gives the athletes a chance to see how they stack up against a larger field which may include just their grade level (i.e. freshman race, sophomore race, or junior varsity race, etc). We tentatively plan to attend the Twilight Cross Country Meet at Barnstable Fairgrounds in Falmouth, MA. This will be an overnight trip on October 21st. More information will be given later.