INTRODUCING St. Barb’s

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM!

A new school year and a new sport at St. Barbara School! So much is said and written about the health benefits of running and we observe tremendous growth in the sport at all ages that we are pleased to add the sport of Cross Country to students in the 5th through 8th grades. Cross Country is distance running typically run on grass fields and may include hills. Meets will occur on Saturday mornings with 5th graders running 1 mile, 6th graders running 1½ miles and 7/8 graders running 2 miles.

The coaching staff of St. Barbara’s Cross Country team is the same adults who coach the track team, Rich Slehofer (387-9229), Michelle Handley (630 810-5188) and Dan O’Connell (387-1228).

Volunteers are very much welcomed and needed. If you can stay at practice, please do so. We would like help recording attendance and practice times. As another option and keeping with our theme of having fun, consider providing a healthy treat at the end of practice or meet. Anything you can do to help make this fun is beneficial. Also, let us know your ideas and suggestions as we realize the program is new.

What you should expect of the coaches and volunteers:

We will plan and conduct practices that teach the sport, challenge the runners, and build their strength and running stamina.

We will encourage the runners to train up to their individual ability.

We will have a copy of the runners release form and a cell phone with me at practices (708-638-8732).

We will remain at the practice sites until every runner meets their parent or appointed contact.

We will maintain our motto of “everyone gets better, and everyone has fun.”

What we expect from the runners:

We are charging a fee of $40. It pays for a t-shirt, and the league fees.

We expect the runners to check-in with the coach as practice begins.

We expect runners to respect their teammates, the places we run and their opponents.

We expect the runners to follow the “at home” training schedule.

What runners need to know:

Bring comfortable running attire to practice and meets including outerwear for cool weather. Consider rain gear and a bag to keep clothes and shoes dry. Don’t eat a full meal less than 2 hours before practice or meets. Snacks of PBJ, fruit or grain bars are good. Avoid acidic fruits or any other snack that might upset you before practice or a meet. Bring a water bottle or Gatorade to practice. Keep the skate board at home.