Woodward Middle School

 

Q: When does the season start and end? How frequent and long are practices?

A: Middle school cross country is now a Spring sport. The season lasts for approximately 8 weeks. The 2022 season starts on March 22nd. Practice is held M-F from 3:45-4:45pm.

Q: How frequent are meets? Do students miss school to compete?

A: This is a competitive team; we will get to run in several races during the season. We are scheduled to have 7 league meets with the option for an invitational on a Saturday. Students will typically leave school around 2:00 pm to travel to meets. This year (2022), girls will race at 4:00 pm and boys will race at 4:30 pm.

     2022 Competition Schedule  

          Wednesday, April 13 @ Kingston

          Wednesday, April 20 @ Cedar Heights

          Thursday, April 28 @ Battle Point (Home)

          Tuesday, May 3 @ Klahowya

          Wednesday, May 11 @ Mountain View 

          Wednesday, May 18 @ Battle Point (Home)

          Wednesday, May 25 @ Hawkins (Championship)

     

Q: How do student-athletes get to and from practice and meets? 

A: Athlete’s families are responsible for getting athletes to and from practice. All practices start at 3:45 pm (which is right after school except for Mondays) and end no later than 4:45pm.  Many parents set up carpools to get kids home from practice. The school will provide a bus to and from Woodward for away meets.

Q: What does an average training week look like? 

A: While each day’s workout will be tailored to individual athlete’s abilities and for different training goals during different parts of the season; the week’s general workout schedule will look like the schedule below:

     General Weekly Schedule: M-F @ 3:45pm - 4:45pm

     Monday @ Battle Point Park Picnic Shelter  For: Long Run w/ Speed Intervals

     Tuesday @ WMS Track & Field  For: Recovery Run/Race Prep

     Wednesday @ Location Varies  For: Racing – Go Wildcats!

     Thursday @ WMS Track & Field  For: Race Recap, Recovery Run, and Games & Fun

     Friday @  WMS Track & Field  For: Long Run w/ Strength Intervals

Q: What distance are the races? What distance should an athlete train for? 

A: The first meet is 1 mile. The second and third meets will be 1.5 miles. The fourth - seventh meets will be 2.0 miles. Athletes should train to be able to run 3 miles comfortably.

Q: What type of terrain do cross country athletes usually run on?

A: In cross country, we run on a variety of terrains. Most of our running will be on soft surfaces like trails and grass. However, we will also occasionally be running on the track, gravel, and asphalt. We also get to run on hills, not just flat ground.

Q: What do I need to do in order to be eligible to run in a meet?

A: Athletes are required to have a minimum of 8 (healthy) official WMS XC practices before they are able to run in any meet/competition. All middle school sports participants are considered student/athletes; meaning they are students first and athletes second. Students earn the privilege of being an athlete on our team by being responsible with their grades and behavior. If you are being mindful of your behavior and actions (both on and off the course), turning in your completed homework, earning passing scores on your tests and projects, attending your classes, and have a minimum of 8 official practices you will be eligible for all competitions. Students and parents may check grades at any time by logging on to Family Access (Skyward).

Q: I am in another sport, music lessons, theater, tutoring, etc. Can I miss cross country for that? 

A: Cross country tends to attract very talented and driven people. At the middle school level, it is OK to miss up to two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for other commitments as long as it is scheduled with me in advance at the beginning of the season. This procedure does not relate to missed practices due to illnesses. My utmost concern is that of the health and safety of the athletes, so, I will need to approve this on a case by case basis. While this arrangement can be very successful, communication is key.

     -  Click Here: to read an article explaining the importance of not specializing in one sport too early.

Q: What equipment do I need to run on cross country?

A:  Cross Country is not an equipment-intensive sport. However, there are some things that you will need.

• Running Shoes: The correct shoes are the best line of protection against injuries. Typically, running shoes lose their protective support around 500 miles of use. If you have had your shoes for a while or have used them for another sport’s season it is probably best to replace them. If you are new to choosing proper running shoes check out Poulsbo Running. They will help guide you through the selection process and find the shoe that is right for your feet, running style, and budget.
• Water Bottle: We want our athletes to stay hydrated! We will provide water in a water cooler but you need to provide the water bottle. We do not provide disposable cups and athletes are not allowed to drink directly from the water spigot.
• Watch: Being able to time your running is an important tool for training and improvement. An inexpensive watch with a stopwatch (chronograph) feature will be perfect.
• Appropriate Clothes: Clothes that allow an athlete to run comfortably in the weather conditions for the day are a must. Be sure to think about proper supportive attire, sun, wind, and rain. Click Here if you are interested in purchasing WMS XC warm-ups or a tee shirt.
• Personal Health and Safety Equipment: If you need an inhaler or an EpiPen please bring it with you. Coaches do not have access to the medications in the school nurse’s office as we practice after school hours and are often off campus and/or in the woods. Athletes with life-threatening conditions (like asthma or bee allergies) should have a SPI (small personal item) belt or another device to carry their equipment with them.