FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO THEY PRACTICE?
During the summer, we typically meet at Farmstead Park three days a week in the morning. These are optional but your child should still be running through the summer if they want to properly conditioned for the fall season.
During the fall, we also meet three times a week. The days will be determined as the fall approaches. Traditionally, we walk over to Ford High School to use the locker rooms there and have practice from there. Pickup is by the pool/gym lobby doors (which face the track).
WHERE CAN I FIND THE MEET SCHEDULE/INFORMATION/RESULTS?
The meet schedule can be found on athletic.net by searching for "Bemis Middle School", or click on the link I provided. Further information about each meet can be found by clicking on the meet. Sometimes the meet host will send out more information to the coach as the meet approaches. I will forward additional meet information as I get it.
I generally send out meet information 7-10 days in advance to allow for plans to be made for rides and scheduling.
WHAT ARE MEETS LIKE?
Cross Country meets are very fun and oftentimes crazy. Many of the meets we go to have a dozen or more schools participating, sometimes even up to 30 schools. So you can imagine all of the middle school runners that there would be. In the midst of the chaos, there is order. We will have a team camp where we put all of our stuff and set up any food that may have been brought.
These meets can last anywhere from 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on the size of the meet, how the races are spaced out and when your child races. I fully expect kids (and parents) to dress appropriately for the weather since they are rarely cancelled.
It is important for your child to arrive at least one hour early before their race starts. This gives time for them to get their bibs from me and to properly warm up for the race. There will be some meets where this is difficult but kids need to be able to arrive at an appropriate time so they have time to get their racing bibs, preview the course, warm up, do dynamic stretching, and make to the start in a timely manner. ALSO, it is important to arrive in a timely manner because parking can be a difficult task at times so you MUST prepare for that as well.
Transportation! Because this is a club sport, there is NO bussing provided by the district. I am fully dependent on parents providing rides for their child and possibly other kids who do not have a ride. This has yet to be an issue since the parent groups have been incredibly helpful in the past.
Food! One of the best things about the sport is for kids to eat/drink after they're done with racing and cooling down. We generally have a table filled with goodies for the kids to eat and drink from.
Spectating! Obviously, you go to these meets to watch your child race and support them. Unlike track meets, you will have limited opportunities to watch them. You still get the chance to see them at least 3-4 times while they are racing. I will provide the course map when available and you can use that to figure out where you want to see your child while they are racing.
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WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED IN ORDER TO RUN?
In order for your child to run, they will need a physical and waiver to be filled out.
Running shoes should be a priority for each runner. I recommend Hanson's Running Shop on Hall Rd. for the first pair since they will make sure you get a proper pair of shoes - shoes can be expensive but will last through the track season for middle school runners. Then search online for deals. Everything else is secondary (clothes). Gym clothes will do the trick but they must dress appropriately as the weather gets colder.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Cross Country is a cheap sport. There will be a fee that each runner will have to pay in order to take part of the meets - this is relatively inexpensive compared to school sports. There will be optional apparel that they can buy as well. Uniforms are provided by the high school program.
Other costs include buying running shoes and possible apparel (watches, shorts, etc.).
Also, we often have meets at Stony Creek Metropark where you have to pay $10 to get in if you do not have an annual pass, which costs $35.
WHAT I CAN DO TO HELP/VOLUNTEER?
First and foremost, support your child. This sport can be tough and parental support makes all the difference in the world in how your kids grow to like the sport. Ask them questions like: "How was the course?"; "How did you feel?"; "What is your goal for the season/race?"; "What did you do at practice?".
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As mentioned earlier, parents are important in providing rides and food for the meets. We typically have a parent who willing to take charge of organizing an email group and provide opportunities for parents to bring food & drinks to the meets. If any more volunteer opportunities arise, I'll be sure to let you all know.
PARENTS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS CLUB!