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Activities > Spring Sports > Track > Team Policies

2024 TRACK AND FIELD POLICIES

Practice Information and Location

Practice for the 2024 season will begin March 11, in Grand Meadow.  Practice will run from 3:30- 5:15 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and will run 3:30-5:00 on Wednesday.  Junior High athletes will be required to attend all practices with the exception of Varsity Meet days.

Coaches 

Head Boys – Rebecca Young
Head Girls – Aaron Thauwald

Assistants  

 - Jim Hubka 

- Lisa Glynn

- Maggie May

- TJ McBryde


Practices/Meets 
Attendance at track practice is important.

  • It is the best way to improve in an event.
  • Athletes are evaluated at practice and these assessments help determine which athletes will run at the varsity level and which events they will compete in. 

Absences

  • Athletes must bring an excuse note to practice for any absences.
  • If the athlete knows in advance, he/she should tell a coach beforehand.

Junior High 

  • There are several junior high meets.
  • Junior high athletes are encouraged to try different events at practice.
  • The coaches make all meet participation decisions, with the input of the athletes.
  • The number of events an athlete can compete in varies depending on how many athletes we have on the team and how many entries the meet manager allows, along with state restrictions.  
  • Junior High athletes are required to work at home Varsity Meets    

Varsity

  • The coaches choose athletes to compete in events to make the strongest team possible.
  • Coaches will notify the athletes at practice in which meets and events they will compete.
  • While we will try and get every varsity competitor into each varsity meet, not every person will be utilized in a meet and proving themselves at practice will be the main determinant of whether an athlete will compete at the varsity level or not.
  • Varsity athletes are required to work at home Junior High meets.
  • At meets of emphasis, the coaches will determine the best possible lineup for success.  This determination is not personal.  The team comes before the individual.
 

Meet Behavior

  • Good sportsmanship and mature behavior are expected from all athletes at meets and practices.
  • Extra activities at meets such as playing catch, Frisbee, or other horseplay will not be tolerated.  Instead, athletes are expected to support the team. The actions and attitude of our athletes are a direct reflection of our team.
 

Transportation

  • Bussing is provided to and from away meets.
  • Athletes are STRONGLY encouraged to stay and support their teammates through the entire meet.
  • Athletes who need to leave early from meets, can leave with their parent or legal guardian after signing out with the head coach.
  • In special circumstances, school officials (principals, athletic directors, or superintendents) may give written permission to parents to allow athletes to leave with someone else.
  • Transportation is provided to and from practice every day and all athletes MUST ride school-provided transportation to all practices.

Injuries

  • Please report all injuries immediately to a coach. 
  • If the injury requires a doctor visit, the athlete must have a note from the doctor before he/she can compete or practice again.
 

Practice and Meet Attire

  • Indoor Practices – shorts, t-shirt, running shoes and socks
  • Outdoor Practices – (dependent on weather) sweatshirt, hooded jacket, sweatpants, hat, mittens/gloves, shoes and socks
  • Track Meets – Come prepared for any weather. 
  • Uniforms and warm-ups will be provided.  These must be returned at the end of the season or athletes must purchase them. Both female and male athletes are asked to bring a black, long-sleeved shirt and black legging.  Any clothes worn under the uniform must be solid-colored, with only one small logo.
  • Shoes – A good pair of running shoes is important.  The right shoes can prevent injuries, especially to the lower leg. 
  • At Varsity level track meets, sprinters and jumpers should have track shoes with spikes.  The school has a limited supply of spikes that are available. 
  • The athlete may want to pre-approve the spikes with a coach before making a purchase. 
  • Sprinting spikes have more pins, are lighter and help force the runner to run on his/her toes.  Distance spikes have more support (especially in the heel) and fewer pins.     
  • Throwers are encouraged to purchase throwing shoes that aid in movement in the circle. 



Lettering Requirements

  • In order to letter: A varsity athlete must participate in 2/3 of all varsity contests AND score at least 1 point for the team in Conference, Sub-Section or Section.  
  • An athlete may letter if they participate during the True Team Sections or True Team State Meet.  
  • Coaches reserve the right to letter athletes that are injured.
  • An athlete may letter only if they end the season in good-standing.  All MSHSL rules must be followed, including the team’s social media policy.

Communication

With four schools combined to make our team, communication is very important.  Please be advised that there will be numerous avenues of communication about changes to practice schedules.  The MOST important avenues of communication will be via the BAND App, our GMLOKS Facebook page and the official track page on the Grand Meadow Website.