Being aware of your surroundings is one measurement that can determine whether or not your cross country will go well (Jorge Espinosa photo)
I tell this story every year, and I will tell it again so read and listen up!
I can recall the first official team practice of my junior year cross country season. Many moons ago, it was a scorching hot day in August at Deming Park in Terre Haute, Indiana. I was very excited about the prospect of being with my teammates and having another banner season. But one thing was wrong with the transaction ... I was tardy! My mother dropped me off several minutes late, and my teammates had already left to do their warm-up. Head coach Gary Gottardi looked my mom in the eyes and said, "Tony has to run back home ... he's late." Late?
That's right; I was responsible for being on time, but I wasn't. Coach Gottardi turned his back and walked away. My mother got into the car and drove off. Upset that I missed an opportunity to be with my teammates, I had to log the seven miles back home in 90-degree weather with little shade and no water stops. Never again was I late for practice for the remainder of my high school career.
Now, 30-plus years later, I am still in the sport on the grassroots level, and being late, particularly on the first day of practice, cannot be tolerated. Although I favor my former high school coach in many aspects, we are in a completely different era in how we approach and issue discipline. Time management is critical to a program for several reasons. I offer tips to new and veteran coaches far and wide to refresh you all.
Reason #1: Set the tone for the season. Being on time tells the program that everyone is serious about the goals, and hopefully, the team's outcomes can be fulfilled.
Reason #2: Virtually every team has newcomers and/or young runners, so setting an example from the moment you step on campus is imperative. You want to ensure your lead is considered positive and let everyone know we are all here for business.
Here are several dos and don'ts guidelines that I recommend for your program during the opening period:
Do: If you have a team captain (s), remember they are an extension of you and your coaching staff. In some instances, the coaches may be off assisting with a different group of kids, and the situation may put you in "charge" of the unit. If so, being as responsible as the coaches is imperative.
Don't: Show off for the first practice. There is nothing worse than a teammate trying to push a warm-up at a 4:50 mile pace when it is supposed to be 7:15. Of course. It is okay to be excited on the first day of practice with renewed vigor and spirit, especially if your team is co-ed, as guys and girls like to be noticed. I've seen guys run crazy during warm-ups, team runs, or workouts to impress the girls. It's similar to football players practicing more vigorously when the cheerleaders are watching. Remember, the goal is to relax and enjoy the process. Being a showboat can create animosity in the locker room and threaten team cohesion.
Do: Choose your words and actions correctly and accordingly when offering constructive criticism to teammates. When I was in high school, I would pull slacking teammates aside to offer advice in an attempt that it would improve their work habits. Team meetings are perfect for expressing personal issues and/or collective disagreements.
Don't: Be a bad teammate. Selfishness is like cancer in the cross-country world, and the worst thing a teammate can do is present it on the first day. For example, I've seen kids put their personal agendas ahead of the team as if working hard was an option. 'I didn't want to lead the last two intervals because it was too hot' is something I've heard a time or two, and it should never sit well within the team structure.
Do: On the eve of the first practice, be sure to eat a nice meal, hydrate, and get plenty of rest. The primary reason is that the initial meeting is usually very early in the morning. The last thing a coach wants to see is YOU falling out in practice and later sitting on the sideline with the trainer and team manager.
Don't: Please do not forget your training shoes, spikes (just in case), water/sports drink, change of clothes, medical information (if required), and a good attitude. Nothing is worse than leaving one or all of these items at home and having your coaches send you home.
Good luck and well-being to you all for the 2024 cross-country season!