Good Morning Cross Country Families,
This Saturday is the State Championships. It is an expectation that all teammates will attend the State Championships whether they are running or not.
From the very first time we all met for the Preseason Meeting; the State Championships have been stated as a team requirement.
Pre Season Meeting Presentation (Slide 16): https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1YFDhzhNWk11Ft9fCN-dbVxFWcNDSCFk-F5dOTjvPty8/edit?usp=sharing
It is also listed in our team rules under Rule #17: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScRJs1OKHmvdO6cNJuwiloXIAUQCi-1WA0sOPB2Od3e3fyUTA/viewform
I also wanted to mention that we [Reservoir XC/TF] are in full support of multi-sport athletes but that does come with an understanding from all families that our sport should be the higher priority. We will work with you to the best of our ability and accommodate your additional schedules, IF WE CAN. Please know that most other HCPSS High School XC/TF programs do not make these accommodations. The official Howard County policy states “Students may participate in sports outside of school during the same season as long as the participation does not conflict with their school team’s practice, games or postseason tournament.” Parent/Student Athletics Handbook (Page 3, Non-School Participation).
With all of that being said, the simple facts are:
- Since the middle of August, these kids have been training together day in and day out.
- They have grown stronger and closer together.
- We have fostered an environment that promotes team-over-self.
- Athletes are taught to support their teammates throughout the season and to be there for each other.
- Even the injured Athletes have attended meets to support their teammates.
We understand that this may be an inconvenience for some families, but signing up for a team sport involves making sacrifices. Our goal is to always put the team first and show the athletes that are running that we are behind them 100%.
If you truly feel that you (or your athlete) cannot attend to support their teammates on Saturday at the State Championships a Parent must email me directly. We understand life gets in the way and we want to do our best to accommodate, but OUR TEAM has to be the priority whenever possible.
The only approvals I have provided thus far are for a school sponsored event (Science Olympiad). If you have already emailed me, you will need to do so again after reading this email.
Coach Rogers