Updated Meet Schedule
There should be an updated meet schedule on the website very soon. Dates have not changed, but some TBD locations have been filled in and start times are filled in. The schedule is here:
http://ctktrack.org/meets.html
War Path Invitational
Our first meet is this Saturday, 3/5, Ygnacio Valley's "War Path" invitational. Uniforms not required: regular running clothes are fine. The team pays the entry fee for all of our athletes, but there is a charge for spectators too. We won't need volunteers for this meet, but look for an email soon regarding signups for the meets that start the following weekend.
Remember to bring:
- Cash for gate admission ($2 per spectator) and some extra in case there's a snack table
- Appropriate weather protection: sun hats and/or jackets, sunblock, sunglasses (or more likely rain gear this weekend!)
- Something soft to sit on, like a stadium cushion or old blanket
- Optionally: a cooler of healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt tubes, pretzels: nothing too heavy
If you plan to bring a pop-up tent or umbrella for shade, please set up in the back row of the bleachers so you don't block anyone's view. Pack bungee cords or tie-downs, as Ygnacio Valley can be windy, especially in the morning.
There is no smoking or alcohol permitted at this or any CYO event.
There is no smoking or alcohol permitted at this or any CYO event.
Athletes should:
- Have a light breakfast
- Wear sunscreen and running shoes
- Be on time to warm-up with the team
- Be willing to try events and have fun
We want to get the team together on the basketball court no later than 8:45am. The courts are between the stadium and the school. Coaches will warm the team up and get a head count.
The team is paying admission for our coaches and registered athletes.
Find a seat when the gate opens, and we'll bring the team in when we're warmed up. They'll find you in the stands.
New to track meets?
Don't worry: meets are pretty predictable, even if they don't look it.
Field events start when the meet begins. There will be announcements over a PA system or bullhorn calling different age groups down to participate. Events at this meet are:
High Jump
Long Jump
Shot Put
In CYO, we limit shot put and high jump to 5th graders and older, for safety.
Athletes check in at the event when their age group is called, provided they're not already lined up for a race (or are on the track!) High jump and long jump will be visible from the stands, but the shot put ring is tucked out of the way outside the main stadium fence.
Running events follow an order, usually done from youngest athletes to oldest.
These stage (line up) on the field. Last year there were hurdles with signs attached per age group. The same PA or bullhorn should be used for calls for these events.
The event order is:
- 1600m (4 laps, "the mile")
- 4x100 Relay (every runner carries the baton 1/4 of a lap)
- 400m (1 lap)
- 100m (a short dash along the straight)
- 800m (2 laps = 1/2 mile)
- 200m (1/2 lap)
- 4x400m Relay (every runner carries the baton 1 full lap)
A key tip: if an athlete is waiting at a field event when their desired race is called, they should leave the field event to go run.
Running events determine the pace of the meet, and won't stop if an athlete is busy at long jump or in the bathroom. Paying attention to the calls is a track meet survival skill. If you miss your call, you miss the race. Oops!
Which event?
That's pretty much up to the athletes and their coaches. This week is a little looser, just to get everyone to see how it all fits together. Unless the coaches have something specific in mind, I'd encourage a go ahead and try it attitude. Cross country athletes especially should not be scared of the distance events.
Everything will look a little rough this weekend. That's OK. Think of this as a practice, not the Olympic tryouts.
Running events determine the pace of the meet, and won't stop if an athlete is busy at long jump or in the bathroom. Paying attention to the calls is a track meet survival skill. If you miss your call, you miss the race. Oops!
Which event?
That's pretty much up to the athletes and their coaches. This week is a little looser, just to get everyone to see how it all fits together. Unless the coaches have something specific in mind, I'd encourage a go ahead and try it attitude. Cross country athletes especially should not be scared of the distance events.
Everything will look a little rough this weekend. That's OK. Think of this as a practice, not the Olympic tryouts.
No Parent Meeting
I got three responses of interest in a parents' meeting, so I'm not going to schedule one. Feel free to email me questions and I'll either answer directly or in the next newsletter.
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