Sunday, March 5, 2017

News for the Week of March 5th

Practice this week: 5:00-6:00 at College Park
Coaches have a certification meeting right after practice on Monday, so we'll want to end on time and clear out.

War Path Invitational
Our first meet is this Saturday, 3/11, Ygnacio Valley's "War Path" invitational. Uniforms not required: regular running clothes are fine. Note that the meet is "All Comers". That means parents and coaches are welcome to compete! (The charge for competitors is $6.) The team pays the entry fee for all of our athletes, but there is a $3 charge for spectators too.
We won't need volunteers for this meet, but you should have received email regarding signups for the meets that start the following weekend.

Remember to bring:
  • Cash for gate admission ($3 per spectator) and some extra in case there's a snack table
  • Appropriate weather protection: sun hats and/or jackets, sunblock, sunglasses (or rain gear, depending)
  • Something soft to sit on, like a stadium cushion or old blanket
  • Optionally: 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.
    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:
    1. 1600m  (4 laps, "the mile")
    2. 4x100 Relay   (every runner carries the baton 1/4 of a lap)
    3. 400m   (1 lap)
    4. 100m   (a short dash along the straight)
    5. 800m   (2 laps = 1/2 mile)
    6. 200m   (1/2 lap)
    7. 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, after telling the field event clerk. Then return to finish the field event after the 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.

    Regarding the season as a whole: after this meet, we have 4 regular-season CYO meets. An athlete has to compete in 3 out of 4 of them to be eligible to advance past the Qualifying meet in the post-season. So there may be times when it will be advantageous to come to a meet and do the first event before heading off to that soccer tournament, or vice-versa, rolling in better-late-than-never to get in one of the final relays.

    See you at the track!

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