Middle School
Track
2024 Track Update
The Patriots will not have a middle school track program for 2024. All coaching staff is volunteer and we do not have someone to fill the position this year. We encourage you to consider being a part of the cross country team (July-November). More information is available under the "cross country" tab. Contact program directors Robin & Andrew Scharff with additional questions: [email protected]
Basic Track Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Patriots Middle School Track 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 necessary. Middle School Track consists of sprinting events including hurdles, long distance (800m, 1600m), long jump, high jump, shotput and discus. Rising 6-8th graders are eligible to participate.
Registration typically begins in February. A link to the online registration will be posted on this page. Cost is around $110 per runner which includes racing singlet, shorts and race registrations. 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. |
SCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONSPractices:
Team Members are expected to take part in practices. Practices are held twice a week at a local high school track. Races will be held on various days and locations in the Chattanooga area, generally in the afternoon (around 4:30pm). 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. Fulfill your volunteer commitments so that your athlete observes you pitching in with other parents. You will also be asked to help at meets. This could be keeping time at meets, organizing snacks , etc. 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. Communication: Registration and communication throughout the season will be via the app Teamsnap. All families are required to download and use the app. Shoes: The primary gear needed for track is a decent pair of running shoes. We strongly advise you visit Fast Break, Front Runner or Fleet Feet to purchase adequate running shoes. Shoes which are worn out or too small are not permitted and can lead to injury. Athletes may wear spikes if interested. 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. Track has many events and we encourage students to try different ones. Middle School Track serves as a wonderful bridge to high school as students have opportunities to explore their talents. The coach will assign athletes to their events. 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. |
COACHES
The track team has been coached by various parent volunteers over the last several years. We are hopeful that a new volunteer will step up for future seasons! |