All –
I know there is a lot in this email, but please read it so you are prepared for this week and next – at the every end of this email, there is a form you need to fill out.
Thank you for your patience and understanding getting through today’s practice. I know I didn’t run things as smoothly as I would have liked, and that there’s a lot of uncertainty right now. All we can collectively do as a team is push forward and run our races. I will do my best to be there for you all as things unfold, and I appreciate your understanding as I try and temporarily fill some unfillable shoes with the assistance of the entire coaching staff. Coach Bobby will be back on Monday to assist with things next week as well.
Regarding Duckworth Relays Logistics:
I will arrive at the school tomorrow at 8:00 AM and the bus will depart the school by 8:20 AM. As per the schedule (Duckworth Relays Reservoir Team Schedule) for tomorrow’s meet, we will arrive back at the school on the busses sometime around 5:15. If the schedule changes, please have a way of getting in touch with your parents or whomever is picking you up so that you can coordinate your ride home.
Because of the weather, and because the busses only will seat 88 people, and the fact that we have 170+ people on the team, I am encouraging you all to arrange self-transportation to the meet. You need to arrive 2-hours prior to your first event, and you may leave after cooling day after your last event once you have checked out with a member of the coaching staff. If you plan to self-transport, please email rhysz@microsoft.com or text me at 301-807-9875 – this is a requirement if you will not be taking the bus. I know I’m encouraging self-transport, but you still need to communicate that you will be self-transporting to me. If you text me, *please* tell me your name. I’m staring at a list of a dozen notifications of self-transport right now and I have no idea who you are because I only have a phone number.
I have found out that we *will* be allowed to bring tents tomorrow which is fabulous news since the weather is going to be less than ideal. It will be raining all day and the day will start out cold around 40-degrees, gradually warming to 60-degrees by the end of the meet. Please bring appropriate longs and layers to ensure you stay warm – cold muscles become torn muscles.
A number of you have asked about switching events. Unfortunately, this late in the game, we are unable to change events tomorrow. Keep in mind that these are all relays, so backing out of an event not only lets you down but lets down your other relay teammates as well. The coaching staff has chosen the events this early in the season for you, specifically because of your performance in the time trials and our desires to see how you possibly do at some other events. Additionally, if you fail to run in a registered event, it will preclude you from running in the next meet.
Also, as a reminder, there will be no throws tomorrow as the throw circles are under water, however the remainder of the events are scheduled to occur as planned.
Regarding Next Week’s Meets:
Finally, I need to get a list of those people can participate in next week’s two meets. Please complete the following Google Form this weekend: https://forms.gle/PEsnqBfs6rkuA5qG7.
Thanks again for your patience and understanding, and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.