CROSS COUNTRYCross country season has officially started and I will have no more free Saturday's until the middle of November. We had our first race over the weekend in Alamogordo. I was glad that Lindsey went with us as it was one way we could feel close to Tom. It was difficult at times but we figure by us starting this team it is a way of honoring him and making relationships with kids that go beyond the classroom.
The meet was well run and took place at the soccer complex. The run was mostly on grass with no hills and lots of ninety degree turns. The weather was great and both the individual boys and girls meet records were broken. Our kids were really nervous but they did a great job in their warm up, stretches, and strides. The boys were really unsure about pace and afraid to get caught up in the opening sprint so I think they went out really conservative which seems not to be the norm for this sport. I don't have any proof on this but I am sure they all negative split their races and passed many people during the second half of the race. When they finished they agreed that it was easier than they had anticipated and they all had fun. Officially we were the last place boys varsity team. It sounds discouraging but in reality we have only been a team for 3 weeks and I ran three 8th graders, two freshmen, and one junior in a varsity meet. They would have been much more competitive in the JV meet but oh well, live and learn.
On the girls side, I only brought one freshmen and she ran the JV meet. She was really nervous and was unsure if she would even run but she did and ended up being the 15th girl and received a ribbon for her effort. She too started conservatively and ran down many girls in the second half of the run. She surprised herself and is a much better runner than she gives herself credit for. All in all it was a very successful meet and our next race is in two weeks in much closer, Belen.
Here you can find an article about the team that the local newspaper ran this weekend. On the right, click on the download our latest edition. It is in a featured sports section and not the actual sports section.
http://www.dchieftain.com/
1 comment:
It sounds like there was a lot of learning going on for you as a coach and your team at their first race. I am sure you will only get better with experience. I am glad that they all had a great time because that's all that really matters. Good Job Coach!!
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