I love this time of the year, mostly because it is the start of another school year and, with that, renewed goals and aspiring outcomes.
I will always recall the first official team practice of my junior year cross-country season. Almost 40 years 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. However, one thing was wrong with the transaction... I was late! My mother dropped me off several minutes late, and my teammates had already left to do their warm-up. North Vigo Head Coach Gary Gottardi looked my mom in the eyes and said, "Tony has to run back home ... he's late."
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. From then on, I was never late for practice for the remainder of my high school career.
Now, with it nearing 40 years, I am still involved in the sport at the grassroots level, and being late, particularly on the first day of practice, is unacceptable. Although I favor my former high school coach in many aspects, we are in a completely different era when it comes to how we approach and issue discipline. Time management is critical to a program for several reasons. I offer tips to new and veteran coaches everywhere to refresh you all.
Reason #1: Set the tone for the season. Being on time demonstrates to the program that everyone is committed to achieving the goals and, hopefully, the team's outcomes.
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 entrance 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 at a 7:15 pace. 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 alike 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 carefully when offering constructive criticism to teammates. When I was in high school, I would pull aside teammates who were slacking to provide guidance, hoping it would improve their work habits. Team meetings are ideal for addressing personal issues and collective disagreements.
Don't: Be a bad teammate. Selfishness is like cancer in the world of cross-country running, and the worst thing a teammate can do is present it on the first day. For example, I've seen kids prioritize their agendas over the team, as if working hard was optional. '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 forget: Please remember to bring your training shoes, spikes (just in case), water/sports drink, a 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 packing.