“It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” – George Sheehan
TEAM MISSION:
A foundation is the basis or groundwork upon which something solid can be built. For our team, the foundation is the training and relationships upon which we will build a successful team.
As an individual member of this team there are two things that you can control at each practice: your attitude and your effort. These are the two things that can lead to your own individual improvement.
However, cross country is also a team sport made up of individuals who have different talents and gifts to contribute to the team. The hope is that you will use those talents to help build a successful team.
TEAM VALUES:
TEAM GOALS:
Reasons to be a part of Olympus XC:
Team Expectations:
Commitment:
All members of the team are expected at every practice. Any absences need to be excused by one of the coaches before practice. In addition to attending practice, athletes need to come with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard. Athletes are expected to strive to be the best runner they can and to give 100% every day. It is an honor to be a part of the team and all athletes should try their hardest to be the best teammate possible.
"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
– Steve Prefontaine
Team Equipment:
Required - All athletes must have these items at every practice:
Eligibility:
Team Practice:
Practices begin at 2:30 PM Monday-Friday on the track once school starts. Prior to the start of school practice is from 7:30-9:00 AM unless athletes are otherwise informed. Athletes should change in the locker rooms and bring everything they need with them. Practice will finish by 4:30 PM except on days where the team drives off campus. Saturday practices will be held when there is no meet and will be required for varsity runners.
Pasta Parties/Team Snacks:
Please sign up to help with our pasta parties and team snacks on the OLY XC website, in the Parent Info section. Details are also found there.
Races:
The top seven athletes of each gender will have the opportunity to run in the varsity races. All other runners race junior varsity. Occasionally the junior varsity will be split according to age groups. The top five runners for each team score in each race. The lowest score wins, a perfect score is 15 (athletes finishing 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). The sixth and seventh athletes serve at displacers and tiebreakers. All athletes are expected to attend the entire meet. Students are required to take the team bus to meets and encouraged to ride the bus back home. The varsity athletes for each meet consist of the top 7 (sometimes more depending on the race) and will be chosen each week by the coaches. If a varsity runner is out of town for a race, their spot will not be reserved for the next race but will be filled by the next fastest time.
Lettering Requirements:
In order to earn a varsity letter, athletes must do one of the following:
Reasons to Run Cross Country:
TEAM MISSION:
A foundation is the basis or groundwork upon which something solid can be built. For our team, the foundation is the training and relationships upon which we will build a successful team.
As an individual member of this team there are two things that you can control at each practice: your attitude and your effort. These are the two things that can lead to your own individual improvement.
However, cross country is also a team sport made up of individuals who have different talents and gifts to contribute to the team. The hope is that you will use those talents to help build a successful team.
TEAM VALUES:
- Cross Country is a team sport.
- We show respect for our teammates and our coaches. We also show respect for other teams, other coaches, race officials, and spectators.
- We win with class and we lose with class - always show good sportsmanship. We are HUMBLE when we win, and we are GRACIOUS when we lose.
- We put the needs of the team above the needs of ourselves - everyone helps whether it is with the team tent or cleaning up after a meet. We show that we are a tight team by warming up together, cooling down together, and cheering each other on.
- No matter if you are the top varsity runner, or the last one to finish a race, we celebrate the accomplishments of everyone on the team.
- Show appreciation. We have a great community, you come from great parents, and you are surrounded by great teammates. Show your appreciation to those around you for helping you succeed on this team.
- Be aware of how your actions affect those around you. People in the community see you running all around town, be aware of that and don’t do or say something that will damage that reputation that we have built as a team.
- When coaches are not available at practice, the captains are in charge. Show them the same respect that you would one of the coaches.
- Finish all workouts. This means finish core, stretching, and strength training. Don’t skip out once you are done running, these are all important parts of running.
- Always come to practice prepared. Make sure you have good shoes, a watch, and a water bottle.
TEAM GOALS:
- Be a good teammate
- Always be improving
- Live up to the Olympus Tradition
Reasons to be a part of Olympus XC:
- Satisfaction: Cross country offers athletes the opportunity to challenge themselves, meet their goals, and track their individual improvement.
- Friendship: Cross country will give you teammates that you can trust and depend on. Our shared experiences give the team a sense of camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere.
- Participation: Anybody who has the desire and willpower can run cross country. There are no cuts and everybody gets to compete.
- Community: Our team gives athletes the chance to be part of a community that is bigger than any individual. We are more than the sum of our parts.
- Preparation: As in life, you will get out of cross country what you put into it. It will prepare you for many challenges while teaching you to believe in yourself.
Team Expectations:
- Respect coaches and teammates at all times
- Attend all practices and meets and arrive on time with your equipment
- Communicate about your training and any injuries with coaches
- Follow all UHSAA Rules for student-athletes
Commitment:
All members of the team are expected at every practice. Any absences need to be excused by one of the coaches before practice. In addition to attending practice, athletes need to come with a positive attitude and willingness to work hard. Athletes are expected to strive to be the best runner they can and to give 100% every day. It is an honor to be a part of the team and all athletes should try their hardest to be the best teammate possible.
"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
– Steve Prefontaine
Team Equipment:
Required - All athletes must have these items at every practice:
- Running Shoes: A new pair should be purchased every 300-500 miles. If you did not buy a new pair for the start of summer training you should consider buying one soon.
- Watch: A stopwatch is essential for timing runs. We measure all runs in terms of time so you will need one.
- Water Bottle: A water bottle is essential staying hydrated. Each athlete should have his/her water bottle at school to drink from throughout the day.
- Racing Spikes (JV Optional, Varsity Required): A pair of racing spikes helps athletes perform their best in races. They are lightweight and provide additional traction for turns and hills.
Eligibility:
- Completed registration through registermyathlete.com
- Physical Form A
- Grades (2.0 GPA or higher and no more than 1 F)
- Fees
Team Practice:
Practices begin at 2:30 PM Monday-Friday on the track once school starts. Prior to the start of school practice is from 7:30-9:00 AM unless athletes are otherwise informed. Athletes should change in the locker rooms and bring everything they need with them. Practice will finish by 4:30 PM except on days where the team drives off campus. Saturday practices will be held when there is no meet and will be required for varsity runners.
Pasta Parties/Team Snacks:
Please sign up to help with our pasta parties and team snacks on the OLY XC website, in the Parent Info section. Details are also found there.
Races:
The top seven athletes of each gender will have the opportunity to run in the varsity races. All other runners race junior varsity. Occasionally the junior varsity will be split according to age groups. The top five runners for each team score in each race. The lowest score wins, a perfect score is 15 (athletes finishing 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). The sixth and seventh athletes serve at displacers and tiebreakers. All athletes are expected to attend the entire meet. Students are required to take the team bus to meets and encouraged to ride the bus back home. The varsity athletes for each meet consist of the top 7 (sometimes more depending on the race) and will be chosen each week by the coaches. If a varsity runner is out of town for a race, their spot will not be reserved for the next race but will be filled by the next fastest time.
Lettering Requirements:
In order to earn a varsity letter, athletes must do one of the following:
- Compete on the varsity team at the regional or state championships (including alternates)
- Finish a minimum of three varsity races during the season
- Run a varsity qualifying time:
- -17:30 for boys
- -22:00 for girls
- Be a third year senior that completes the season in good standing (Races in 6 meets, attends daily practices)
Reasons to Run Cross Country:
- Pasta Parties
- Chocolate Milk
- Trail Runs
- Awesome Teammates
- Everyone Competes
- Crazy Bus Rides
- Challenging
- Get in Shape
- The Frog Relay Championship
- Jordanelle Trip
- PE Credit
- Team Camp
- Volleyball/Frisbee