Middle School
Cross Country
2024 Cross Country Season
Registration Opens in Early July
All Updates & Registration Link Will Be Posted Here
Basic XC Information
ABOUTCross Country is a sport in which runners compete in distance races on non-paved running paths (i.e. grass). Middle School races are 2 miles in length.
The Patriots Middle School -XC- team is a volunteer-run program designed to challenge homeschool students to grow in their running abilities, self-discipline and sportsmanship. Each athlete will be challenged to compete while also developing a camaraderie with each other and a love for running. Prior experience is not required however participants should be capable of running a full 2 miles before the season begins. All athletes are expected to begin at home conditioning in June, BEFORE the season begins. Check back here for suggested workouts. Rising 6-8th grade homeschool students are eligible to participate.
Registration for the 2024 season will open in early July. A link to registration will be posted on this website. There is no mailing list. This is the best place to find updates. Once you register, you will automatically be added to the team communication app: Teamsnap. Cost for the 2023 season was $120 per runner which includes racing singlet, shorts and race registrations. We expect future costs to be similar. Reduced cost for those who already have a uniform from a previous season. Additional cost: Our final race, NACA includes a sleepover option at Fort Bluff Camp which costs about $65 per runner. Each family must also be a member of CSTHEA - $20 fee payable at www.csthea.org. ***Registration MUST be complete before first day of practice. Equipment: Watch: ALL runners are required to wear a watch with a stopwatch feature at every practice. Shoes: The primary gear needed for cross country is a good pair of running shoes (usually $90-130). We strongly advise you to visit Fast Break, Front Runner or Fleet Feet to purchase appropriate running shoes. Shoes which are worn out or too small are not permitted and can lead to injury. Some athletes like to use cross country spikes for races. These are not required but can be helpful. We typically have a "library" of spikes in various sizes to lend out and/or can make recommendations on where to buy. Athletic Clothing: It may go without saying but athletic shirts, shorts and socks are expected. Young ladies need appropriate undergarments (sports bra). As the weather gets cooler, your runner will likely need a pair of thin running gloves and breathable beanie cap. Hats and sunglasses are suggested for practice but typically cannot be worn in races. |
SCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONSThe Cross Country season officially begins the last week of July and ends the second weekend of November. The season is about 15 weeks long. This is longer than many sports programs so you will want to consider that when signing up.
Practices: Team Members are expected to take part in practices. Practices are held 3 times per week: Monday AND Thursday evenings 6-7:30pm AND Saturday mornings (8 -9:30am) at several different locations beginning late July (typically at Greenway Farms or the Riverpark but we also utilize Chickamauga Dam, Camp Jordan, and Enterprise South). As with any other sports team (basketball, soccer, etc) siblings or other non-team members are not permitted to participate in team practices. Team members are also required to run 2-3 days outside of scheduled team practices. Workouts: Team members are expected to follow the at home workout schedule emailed each week. Races will be held on various days and locations. Locations can include Chattanooga, Knoxville and Nashville. There will typically be 3-4 weekday races throughout September in Chattanooga. The out of town races are primarily in October and November. The schedule will not be set until the season begins but here is the 2023 schedule as an example: Tuesday, 8/22: Woodland Park Jamboree (Chatt) Saturday, 8/26: CamRun/Magnum Mile (Chatt) Saturday, 9/2: Victor Ashe Classic (Knoxville) Monday, 9/11: ISC Race (Chatt) Monday, 9/18: ISC Race (Chatt) Saturday, 9/23: McCallie Invite (Chatt) Saturday, 10/21: Regional Qualifier (Chatt) Saturday, 10/28: State Meet (Memphis) Saturday, 11/4: HXN (Nashville) Friday-Saturday, 11/10-11: NACA (Dayton) Parent Roles: The support and involvement of parents can transform a good season to a great season! The goal is 100% participation for all team families. Your athlete needs you. You can help your athlete by being supportive and acting as a good role model. Encourage thorough training including warm-ups, stretching, running, and cool downs; adequate rest; healthy meals; drinking plenty of water. We do not allow drop-offs for practice unless you have coordinated with another attending parent to be responsible for your child. We also invite parents to participate in our Saturday long runs. Fulfill your volunteer commitments so that your athlete observes you pitching in with other parents. You will also be asked to help at practices and meets. This could be organizing snacks for big meets or planning a team breakfast or dinner. Cheer for your athlete and for the team at meets. Applaud improvements, as it will surely come. At the end of season, make every effort to attend the end of season party. Your athlete will appreciate your interest in their sport. We will volunteer at the IRONMAN Chattanooga event in September and Half-IRONMAN in May. Communication: Registration and communication throughout the season will be via the app Teamsnap. All families are required to download and use the app. A Word to Parents: You may come to find that your child is a very fast runner, an average runner or that running just isn't their thing at this point. The best thing you can do is be their biggest fan and encourager no matter their skill level. There is a fine line between an inspirational challenge and undue pressure. We ask you to gracefully walk that line taking clues from your child. We are all about pushing ourselves to do hard things and to overcome our mental hurdles but please take care that you do this in an age appropriate manner. |
COACHESAndrew and Robin Scharff are the volunteer coaches for the Patriots running program. This will be their 7th year coaching the Patriots. Andrew has many years of cross-country experience both as a participant and coach through the college level. He and Robin are active in their own running pursuits, completing races from 5K's to the IRONMAN 70.3. Their children are rising 11th, 10th, 9th and 4th graders and all participate in the program. They appreciate your patience as they keep all the plates spinning - or laces tied, as the case may be!
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us below. Continue to check back here for updates as the season approaches. |