Cross Country Season is Finally Here!

The long summer is coming to an end and the most wonderful time of the year is nearly upon us! Of course, I am referring to the fact that cross country practice begins next Monday, August 23rd. We will be meeting at the Boathouse from 5:30 to 7pm. Please note that we will be holding in-person practices on Mondays and Thursdays this season (as opposed to our previous schedule of Tuesdays and Fridays).  We also plan to work into our schedule some alternative locations for practices in the future, and will let you know through the team app when we get that worked out.

Also importantly, our first meet of the season, the Lagoon Valley Classic, is in a little over two weeks on Saturday, September 4th in Vacaville.  Most returning athletes will be eligible for this meet, but new athletes will be included on a case-by-case basis.

The coaches met last week and have agreed upon a few other changes we want to bring to your attention.  First, we will be handing out our team policies to every athlete, ensuring that everyone knows what we are agreeing to as we move forward. 

Second, the coaches will be evaluating and identifying athletes we believe have put in the work and belong in the gray or black groups and will let those athletes know in the first week of practice.  Those athletes will be asked to meet with the coaches after practice to discuss goals and expectations for the season in the first two weeks, so be prepared to potentially stay a little later one night. 

Finally, we have decided to allow 7-year-olds to try and join the team (we previously required athletes to be 8 and up). However, there will be a high expectation that these kids stay engaged in practices, and if coaches determine the youth is not ready for our team then he or she will be asked to leave and come back in a future season.

Coach Phil and I are incredibly excited about the coming season, as well as the direction our team is heading.  We believe we can become the elite youth racing team in the Sacramento region, and we have great faith in our athletes, but we also recognize that the community we build with all our families is our secret sauce and are planning to continue to focus on that community moving forward.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.  Now let’s get out there and run strong!

Coach Eric