Philosophy
Competition can bring out the best in us, so we look for opportunities to compete against ourselves and each other. We train with intensity and focus. The goal is to grow toward being the best versions of ourselves. We take competition seriously, but we aren’t afraid to laugh and have fun along the way. Equipment Athletes need appropriate training shoes, as well as sweats, towels and water bottles. Event specific shoes are available from sporting goods stores and catalogs, sometimes at reasonable prices. Distance runners especially need to find a good shoe guru (at a store like Playmakers, in East Lansing). Sprinters need spikes for practice and for meets. We compete in practice as often as possible. It is important to show up each day prepared to train and compete in good and bad weather, indoors or outdoors. Uniforms School-provided jersey and running shorts are available for athletes, and can also be purchased and kept. At meets, athletes are to wear sweats, warm ups or other appropriate clothing that is either school colors or neutral. T-shirts, shorts, or sweats worn to meets must not resemble other schools’ colors. Any exposed undergarments (compression shorts, etc.) must be black. Headbands must be white. Brand logos cannot be visible. Athletic Handbook Each athlete shall have an Athletic Handbook made available to him. Signing the participation agreement indicates both the parent and athlete have read and understand the handbook and agree to abide by its rules. An athlete is not allowed to compete in a contest until this form has been signed and submitted. Academics There is a reason the word student comes first in student-athlete. Coaches will monitor grades and are ready to provide resources for athletes who need academic help. Athletic Trainer Jennifer Benedict , ATC, is our full-time certified athletic trainer. Even if their families prefer to seek medical attention elsewhere, injured athletes will work with Jenn and the coaches to work toward being cleared for competition. Her number at WHS is (517) 841-8264. If Jenn cannot be reached in the training room, she can be contacted at (313) 590-0081 or [email protected]. Communication “I’d rather know and be annoyed than wonder and assume the worst.” ...With most concerns, it’s best to have an open conversation with the coaches. Athletes with frustrations or other concerns should talk to your event coach and talk to Coach Sponsler. Parents with frustrations or concerns should also talk to Coach Sponsler first, and if this doesn't settle things, athletes and parents are asked to then take concerns to the athletic director and work their way up from there. Spring Break & Other Pre-Planned Absences Training has a cumulative effect. For this reason, we practice during the week of spring break. An athlete who must miss practice (due to a family trip, driver’s education, or other unavoidable conflict) will be excused if he presents a note signed by a parent, before missing practice. A parent email to Coach Sponsler will also be accepted. Practice Attendance Depending on the circumstances, absences for academic or medical purposes are excused upon the presentation of a note signed by an appropriate authority (doctor, teacher, or parent). Communication with the coach beforehand is key to this process. No matter what the reason, athletes who miss practice the day before a meet will not be allowed to compete in that meet. But again, with appropriate prior communication the nature of that practice session is at the discretion of the coach. Athletes unable to train due to injury or other reasons will still attend team meetings and practices. Rehab appointments are considered practice, but the athlete still needs to check in with Coach each day. Meet Attendance We have a big, deep, competitive team, but everyone should be ready to compete at every meet. However, most meets have limits based on qualifying standards, the number of entries per school, and how much room there is on the bus. Athletes not competing at away meets don’t have to go (and there’s likely no room on the bus). Home Meets With rare exceptions, athletes are required to stay at home meets for the duration of the competition, even if they are not competing in any events. Also, we cannot run our home meets without volunteer assistance. We appreciate the volunteers, especially parents, who help us run each home track and field meet. Please sign up to assist. Transportation Policy Unless previously arranged or announced, athletes must ride the school transportation to and from away meets. Team Banquet We will hold an end-of-season celebration and send-off for individual state finals qualifiers. Team members are required to attend, and family and friends are invited. Western Athletic Booster Club The WABC has been extremely generous to the track and field programs. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, call the athletic office at 841-8250. Western Runners Club The WRC exists to support the local youth running community as well as our school’s track and cross country teams. For Updates, Results and Other Information Get on the mailing list for weekly updates by emailing Coach Sponsler at [email protected]. Also, check regularly at 270tnf.weebly.com.
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March 2023
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