Longfellow Students Interested in Cross Country:

Cross Country is a sport that involves long distance running. Practice begins very soon after the school year begins, typically on the 2nd or 3rd day. In school announcements will inform students of the exact day. Practice is usually every day that we don’t have a race. It consists of various stretches and form drills, with a running workout that will cover a distance of 2 to 3.5 miles, depending on the goal of the workout. Our meeting spot for each practice is at the south goal posts. There are various courses that we train on related to the roads, and maps will be handed out on the first day of practice so that athletes can familiarize themselves with the routes. This is VERY important. Practices usually last until approximately 4:45 and are mandatory in order to participate in the races.

There are several items that should be completed during the summer, in order to be able to participate in the full season, which usually ends in mid-October. See the posted schedule of tentative meets.

1. Begin Training. An athlete must demonstrate that they can jog 2 miles without walking before they may participate in a race. There are usually about seven races, approximately 3000 meters in length. Buses take students to and from races. However, a parent may sign their child out at a race, and take ONLY their child home. 2. Students must have ALL Athletic Participation Requirements completed before they are allowed to practice. The requirement paperwork is available online or from the school office and includes: a. Physical Form – signed by a doctor (good for two years. Will need an Alternate Year Form – signed by a parent for 2nd year) b. Concussion/Head Injury Form – acknowledging student and parent have viewed the online video and read the online brochure (contact the school office if you do not have computer access) c. Athletic Handbook Agreement – acknowledging student and parent have read the online athletic handbook (contact the school office if you do not have computer access) d. Pay the Athletic Fee – to the school office. The fee is $25. Check payable to Longfellow Middle School. 3. After all requirements are completed the office will notify the coaches that the student is Cleared to Participate. Questions about the requirements can be addressed to Lisa Winters in the school office. Email = [email protected] or 414-773-2406. 4. All students travel to and from meets by yellow school bus. At the end of a meet, parents are allowed to check out with the coach and then take their own child(ren) with them. Parents needing their child to go with another family after a meet, must notify the coach in writing prior to the start of the meet.

-Coach Hartmann and Coach Trocchio

P.S. Dry-fit shirts have been ordered in adult sizes S, M and L. They will be our uniforms for the races and can be purchased from Coach Hartmann once the season begins. The first race is on Thursday, September 8th.