Shepherd Boys’ Cross Country

XCExpectationsCal08.doc 9/8/2008 4:58 PM

Team Expectations

1. GIVE YOUR BEST – attitude, attendance, behavior, and effort at all practices and meets.

2. Respect the coaching staff – Boys and girls will train together at times. Be respectful of all coaches (from any school) and other assistants.

3. Respect team members, other athletes, teachers and community members. Be respectful in interactions with starters and other meet workers. You represent Shepherd Junior High. It is a privilege and responsibility to be part of a team, act accordingly.

4. Grades – You must pass all classes to stay eligible for Cross Country. Grade checks will be required of each athlete, and will be done periodically.

Severe Clause:

- classroom discipline problems

- fighting, administrative suspension

- unexcused absence from practice

- non-participation/wandering, loitering

- hazing or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated

(subject to case-by-case review)

Termination from the team may result from not following these guidelines.

Cross Country is a unique and challenging sport, and we are contributing to an ongoing tradition that we can be proud of at Shepherd Jr. High. Shepherd’s Cross Country Records are posted in the locker room. The effort, discipline, and success you experience go with you! Let’s continue to build an outstanding tradition!

“There’s not much traffic on the extra mile” -Anonymous

“Training is very simple, the harder you work, the better you get.” -George Young

Work Hard,

Coach McElhaney

see: www.mpsaz.org/mrmac/coach.html

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Athletes must have all eligibility information turned in before participating in before or after school activities. (see www.mesasports.org, the “eligibility” drop down menu)
• Hydrate. Good hydration begins the night before, so get into a habit of round-the-clock water intake. Sports drinks can be helpful, but don’t forget the water.
• Just as with any task, it is important to have the proper tools. For Cross Country, a good pair of running shoes can prevent undue strain on the ankles, knees, and more.
• We will practice before school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 7:20am. As the season progresses, this may change to accommodate our meets.
• Afternoon practices will generally go no later than 4:15pm. Practices during the first weeks tend to be shorter. On a few days we will be training at other locations, and the bus will return between 5:00 – 5:30pm. Dates will be forthcoming ASAP.
• Please let Coach McElhaney know of any injuries or other concerns as soon as possible.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

AM PRACTICE = MORNING PRACTICE, STARTING AT 6:30AM.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
8 September AM PRACTICE	9	10 6:30am @ Stapley, w/ Smith, Poston, Powell	11 AM PRACTICE 3pm Team pictures	12
15 AM PRACTICE practice bus -Tempe Town Lake	16	17 6:30am HOME vs. Mesa Fremnt, Staply, Hendrix	18 AM PRACTICE	19
22 AM PRACTICE	23	24 6:30am @ Smith w/Brimhall, Stapley	25 AM PRACTICE	26
29 practice bus -Usery Mtn. Park	30 AM PRACTICE	1 October	2 4pm @ Taylor, Poston	3
6 4pm HOME vs. Rhodes, Stapley, Taylor	7 AM PRACTICE	8 end 1^st quarter/early release	9 OCTOBER BREAK NO SCHOOL	10 OCTOBER BREAK NO SCHOOL
13 AM PRACTICE practice bus – Red Mtn. Park	14	15 4pm @ Kino, w/ Rhodes, Stapley, Fremnt	16 AM PRACTICE	17
20 4pm @ Riverview Park, vs. Carson, Kino	21	22	23	24 CITY CHAMPIONSHIP @ RED MTN. PARK

CITY CHAMPIONSHIP ON OCTOBER 24^TH AT RED MTN PARK (TIME: TBA)

COACH MCELHANEY CAN BE REACHED AT 480 472-1936 or rmcelhan@mpsaz.org.