who does what?
First of all, we ask. What do student-athletes want to run? We usually place them in those
spots. Newer athletes are placed based on fitness level, size/strength, and natural speed.
Athletes may not run the same events all year. With 115 athletes and 7 coaches, it also might
take us some time to place everyone correctly.
2. What is varsity in track and field?
In a duel meet (us and one or two other teams), varsity is considered one of the top 3 in an
individual event and top 4 in a relay event. Everyone else is considered junior varsity.
3. What kind of shoes/clothing does my child need?
For practice, all runners and jumpers will need some type of running shoe. Good running
shoes cost around $100. I recommend that you do not go to Dunhams or MC Sporting Goods.
Hanson's Running Shop has running experts who will work with you directly to get the best
shoe. They also give high school athletes a 10% discount. Hanson's is located on
Rochester Road north of 13 mile. Sprinters and jumpers who are competitive will also want to
purchase racing/jumping spiked shoes. Distance runners may or may not need them depending
on their level of competitiveness.
Throwers can either buy special throwing shoes or use old, worn down athletic shoes. Those
will help the throwers glide and spin.
Athletes may want to have under apparel for when they compete on a cold day. Undershirts
must be a solid white color, while tights or spandex under the shorts must be solid black.
Headbands, gloves and wool caps are allowed as long as they are a single, solid color.
4. How do I know what my child is competing in?
We hand the athletes a lineup the day before a meet. Varsity athletes or ones that are close usually
have a good idea who they are with regard to Saturday.
5. What if my child has to miss a practice?
A note from you or a teacher excuses them. You may also notify a coach by voicemail
(2488378155) or by e-mail. No note or notification = unexcused practice.
6. How does my child earn a varsity letter?
Your child must score 30 points. Points are scored at meets. In a duel meet, first place gets 5
points, second place gets 3, and third place gets 1. Relays are either 5 points or zero points. At
invitationals, scoring depends on the host system of scoring. Seniors who finish the season in
good standing letter.
We have other ways of earning a letter if it is unrealistic that someone scores 30 points.
7. My child is complaining about an injury. What should happen in this
case?
We do not force anyone injured to participate. In fact, we discourage any competition or
practice if anyone feels they have an injury. The trainer at the high school, Jessica, is awesome.
She is the first person the athlete should go see. For more severe injuries, consult a doctor. The
coaches on staff are not doctors, and we cannot possibly diagnose exactly what every injury is.
8. On the lineup, it said my child was supposed to compete in some events,
and then you pulled them out. Why?
We have a long season. In the event that we have already won a meet, we may pull some
athletes to rest them up for later meets. This also gives other athletes the opportunity to score
points.
9. How long are track and field meets?
LONG. There are 4 field events and 12 running events. Both have boys and girls. These events
take time to set up, run, and then score. Meets will last a MINIMUM of 3 hours. Saturday
meets are long and pretty much will take up the entire day.
10. When is the 2009 banquet?
We are looking at a date during the first full week of June. The cost of the banquet is up in the
air and will depend on how much money we raise through the Tin Can Auction and concessions
at home meets. The more money we raise, the less each individual will have to pay. We will
shoot for the banquet to be under $15 per person.
11. How come some people have to pay the athletic resource fee and some do
not?
The rules on the $65 athletic resource fee are that families cannot be charged more than $210 for
the entire school year. Individual athletes cannot be charged more than $130 in a school year.