“We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” ~ Jesse Owens, Olympic Gold Medalist Runner

  Meet Scores: At each meet our top 5 finishers score points towards our team totals. The amount of points earned are based on what place each runner came in; for example: 1st place = 1 point, 2nd place = 2 points, 3rd place = 3 points, etc. The top 5 places add their points together and the team with the lowest score wins, the 6th and 7th place runners are used for tie breakers.

 Practices will be after school, except NO practice on Wednesdays due to teacher meetings. All runners are expected to be at every practice. We are a team and together everyone achieves more.

 "The most important day in any running program is rest.  Rest days give your muscles time to recover so you can run again.  Your muscles build in strength as you rest." ~ Hal Higdon

 Student Meeting:

 First Practice: August 23, 2021 from 3:30 - 4:30 Meet in the Gym

 *Students must have current physical on file before they can practice.

 First Meet: September 11, 2021

 *Students must have 14 practices in to compete in the first meet.

TITAN EXPECTATIONS

Be the best student you can be – In the classroom and on the streets, we expect you to challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday. Poor grades, or bad behavior by a player may result in a loss of practice time, meet entry, or dismissed from the team.  If at any time a player has a "D" or "F"  in any class, that player may be suspended from meets and practices until the player no longer has a "D" or "F" in that class. Cross Country is an extra-curricular activity, meaning your school work comes first.Not turning in assignments and discipline problems in the classroom will not be tolerated.  Practice and meets will be sacrificed for these types of problems. If you are struggling ask your teacher, a teammate, or myself for help. It is extremely important to me that you succeed in your studies and I do not want sports to prevent you from doing well in your classes.

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last.  You can say, 'I have finished.'  There is a lot of satisfaction in that." ~ Fred Lebow

Be RESPECTFUL – It is a privilege to be on the team, not a right.  We challenge you to use proper manners, even when “no one” is watching and encourage your peers in a positive way. Your behavior at practice, while traveling, before, during, and after meets is a reflection of the team.  Misbehaving will not be tolerated.

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” ~ Steve Prefontaine, Long Distance Runner who held 7 American track records

Work Ethics – Working hard is expected.  If you’re not willing to work hard, you do not need to be on the team. Do not EVER say “can’t” – you will be sore in the beginning, but your body will get stronger and improve throughout the season. Hard work pays off. If you are injured let me know ASAP; do not run through the pain, pain is your body’s way of telling you to take it easy. I will help find other ways for you to continue your training; letting me know as soon as possible prevents you from injuries that will take you out long term.

“You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.” ~ Gatorade ad

Loyalty to the team – Showing loyalty to your teammates, coach, and managers will make us a stronger team.  Your teammates need to be treated like they are part of your family. We will help encourage each other, celebrate victories, and work through the losses together. Even in running sports where you run for an individual placement, we are a team and we will build each other up to ensure our team is victorious.

"Second place is not a defeat.  It is a stimulation to get better.  It makes you even more determined." ~ Carlos Lopes, Portugal

Responsibility –You must be responsible for your belongings. I will not be able to hold your belongings for you; you are in charge of anything you bring with you. Uniforms are to be treated with respect.  All lost or abused uniforms will have a replacement fee charged to you.  You will not be allowed to participate in practice or meets if you forget to bring necessary equipment.

“Running is real and relatively simple – but it ain’t easy.” ~ Mark Will-Weber

Promptness – After school practice ends at 4:00p.m., your ride should be no later than 4:10p.m. All ride arrangements need to be made BEFORE practice, you should know when you arrive at school how you are getting home. Do not wait until practice is over to start calling for a ride. Students must be picked up at the Gym lobby, they will not be allowed to walk to any other location around the school for pick-up.

• Consequences of Late Pick-ups (Late is considered any time after 4:10pm)
  • First Late Pick-up – Warning
  • Second Late Pick-up – Dismissed from the team
• I understand emergencies happen, contacting me asap through Remind can help me make arrangements for my own family in a timely manner.   “Remember the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get sitting around wishing you were running.” ~ Sarah Condor, Runner/AuthorAttendance policy – Absence from school or notification to Coach Saxe before practice will constitute an excused absence.  An unexcused practice constitutes skipping practice for no reason, and not informing Coach Saxe prior to practice that the player cannot attend.  An unexcused absence from practice will invoke the following penaltiES 
• Consequences of Unexcused Absences:
  • 1st   unexcused absence = 50 Burpees
  • 2nd  unexcused absence = 1 Meet suspension & 50 Burpees
  • 3rd   unexcused absence = dismissal from the team.*An unexcused absence is one in which the athlete is present in school then fails to come to practice, without first notifying their coach personally or through communication via the phone or note by the parent.  If the athlete notifies the coach personally, then the athlete is still required to bring a note from the parent.*Absences may be communicated by parent note, email, or the Remind system.

“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.” ~ PattiSue Plumer – U.S. Olympian

If you need to contact me I can be reached on the Remind message system (@98fkfd to 81010), email: robinsom@troy.k12.mo.us, or phone 636-462-5125

 *Please note that all athletes that are participating in Cross Country or attend this school are under MSHSAA regulations and cannot participate in any other running clubs during the Cross Country season. If you have any questions regarding this please contact me.*