Track & Field FAQ’s
When, how often and where does the track & field team practice?
Track practice is everyday, Monday thru Friday, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm., on the Saint Mary’s track unless otherwise designated by the coaching staff. Spring Break, Enrichment Week, and Minimum Days may alter practice times, but there will be practice on these days unless the coaching staff otherwise notifies the team. Saint Mary’s Track & Field practices rain or shine!
What equipment/apparel does my child need? Where can I purchase it?
Your child will need the following:
– A uniform
– A team t-shirt
– Team Sweat Top/Hoodie
– Running Shoes
– Track Spikes (unless they are a thrower)
Uniform tops are $30.00 and shorts are $28.00 and are the athletes to keep. Track uniforms are the same uniforms used by the cross-country team and by track teams in the past, so if an athlete has purchased one during cross-country or has one from past years they may use it for this upcoming season.
Team t-shirts and sweatshirts will be required for every team member. Each team member will be given a team T-shirt and sweatshirt for which they will be billed. (Note: Athletes who purchased a sweatshirt last year are not required to purchase a new one this year). These are to be worn at every meet. Additional shirts can be purchased through Mr. Lawson.
Track and field athletes are strongly urged to have two different types of shoes. The first is a pair of running shoes that are still have a fair amount of tread on them. The second is a pair of “spikes”. Our recommendation for purchasing these shoes is via mail through “East Bay Sports” (Their website is www.eastbay.com), “First to the Finish” www.fttf.com or through Transport,located on Solano Ave. near Peralta or on College Ave. near Claremont Ave. in Berkeley
Are there “cuts” in track & field?
No. The only way to be cut from the track team is to have unexcused absences or continually be tardy.
Will my son/daughter be able to (or have to) compete in every meet?
The short answer is “probably” not. There are two different types of meets that take place during our track season. The first are our “league meets”. These meets occur on Thursdays beginning in late March and continue until May. They are almost always contested on our Saint Mary’s track against member schools from the TCAL. These meets begin at 3:30 and usually last until 6:00.
All Saint Mary’s track and field athletes compete in these meets, unless specific event coaches designate otherwise. On occasion, athletes may, in these meets, try an event or be asked to compete in an event outside of their specialty in order to help the team succeed. On these days, athletes should bring all of their necessary equipment (shoes, uniforms, sweats, etc.) as well as bottles of water and maybe energy food (Powerbars, fruit, etc..).
The second types of meets are weekend “invitationals”. These meets require athletes to achieve a certain qualifying standard in order to compete. Usually, coaches must enter athletes into these meets as much as 3 weeks beforehand… so it is important that athletes achieve good results in some of the earlier meets in order to qualify for these invitationals. These meets usually last all of the morning and most of the afternoon. Athletes should expect to be at the meet the entire time unless they are being picked up by their parents, in which case they are free to leave as soon as their last event is completed. No athlete may leave without first checking in with their coach.
How/Where do I find the information I need regarding the schedule of meets, time schedule, driving directions, etc.
The track & field website contains the season schedule. On the schedule you can click on each meet and access all the meet’s information… including time schedules, transportation schedules, driving directions, etc.. For the track enthusiast, the website that most California high school athletes use is www.prepcaltrack.com . or www.crosscountryexpress.com. These sites have a calendar of all the meets with complete meet information, as well as full meet results, etc..
If I have a problem (Ex: Student needs to miss practice or a meet) who do I contact?
If any problems arise (if a team member has to miss practice or a meet, questions about not being entered into a meet, requests to try a different event, etc..) we ask that the ATHLETE speak with a COACH. Missing practice because another team member said there wasn’t practice, not showing up for your event or to a meet, etc.. is inexcusable! It is important that parents and athletes understand that when an athlete is entered into an invitational, entry fees are paid for that athlete and transportation is set up.
So, when an athlete does not show up for the meet he/she has put an incredible strain on the coaches and his/her teammates. Thus, it is extremely important that athletes communicate to their coach weeks in advance if they are unable to attend a meet that is on the schedule. Athletes who are entered in an invitational and who do not/cannot show up will be held responsible for their lost entry fee.
If parents have additional inquiries it is best to speak with or email their child’s event coach. After that, if parent’s still have questions they can contact the head coaches.
My child is complaining of soreness. What should I do?
Many newcomers to track should expect to have some muscle “soreness” during the first couple of weeks of practice. This is normal and usually does not require medical attention. Ice should be applied to muscle soreness in the first 72 hours. If this soreness persists it is important that athletes seek additional treatment. Saint Mary’s is fortunate to have on staff a full-time, credentialed athletic trainer. His knowledge of track-related injuries and muscle soreness is extensive. It is imperative that all track athletes check in with both their event coach and the trainer whenever they experience prolonged soreness or pain.
How can I help?
As a coaching staff, we cannot emphasize the crucial role parents can play in the success of our track and field program. In a given year, we may have as many as 70 track athletes on our team, which obviously presents some logistical problems. Throughout a season, parents are needed to help drive students to competitions, bring fruit and water to certain meets, and help organize and officiate our home league meets. Please contact us if you’re able to help!