Traverse City Central
TROJANS
Boys Varsity Cross Country
Team News.
4.0 years ago @ 10:29PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #12 11/4/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 10/28/19)
5th PLACE DIVISION 1
State Meet ReCap
“When you spend three to four hours together everyday with blood, tears, and pain you become inconceivably close.” Chris Lear, author of Running With the Buffaloes
Yesterday we closed out our season with a 5th place finish at the Division 1 Cross Country State Finals- our best finish since 2013. A year ago when we left the State Finals after finishing 22nd, we knew we could be a top 10 team because we had the talent. The key factor would be if you , the boys, would be willing to put in the work. That question was answered this season. We had many highlights this year and to see our progress culminate in a 5th place finish at the most competitive cross country meet in the midwest is a testament to your commitment. The quote above is appropriate because those of you that were truly focused on becoming a good runner and a good teammate felt this. To continue this great tradition we need to continue to do the work. Guys, who will fill in the gaps left with graduation? We have the boys. Who will it be?
Yesterday was a great day for our Trojan Cross Country as our girls team was 2nd. To be part of a school with a history of success like this is something that you can not take for granted. This doesn’t happen everywhere. Let’s keep this going and each of you make a commitment to be the best distance runner and teammate you can be.
Well done. Be proud. Keep working. Trojan Pride!
Keep the ball rolling Trojans……….
Fox and Hounds
Our Junior Varsity team officially wrapped up their season with our annual Fox and Hounds race. It was a fun event that had the boys running a new course at the Civic Center. It included tight turns, single track, roots and rocks and curvy, twisty, hills. Our champion this year was Gou, using a strategy that has seemed to work well the past 2 years--that is go out HARD and then hang on. He held off Coach Houghton for the victory! A fun day guys!!
This Week-Week of November 4, 2019
This Weeks Schedule
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Mandatory Team Meeting on Wednesday, November 6 at 3:20 pm. This will last approximately 30 minutes. Bring your completed training log.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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End of Season Celebration is Monday, November 18th in the CHS Cafeteria. We begin at 6:30 pm with dessert. I will email more details in the coming week. As I discussed at the parents meeting to start the season, I will be asking Junior parents to help with the Celebration. There is not much involved, but I am in need of assistance with “decorations” and set-up. Thank you very much. Info to come soon.
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Fantastic Opportunity! On November 12, Kikkan Randall will speak at the Hagerty Center. Kikkan is an Olympic Gold Medalist in xc skiing and a cancer survivor. In my humble opinion, she is one of the toughest and most inspiring athletes that sport has ever witnessed. If at all possible, take the opportunity to hear her speak. The event is free and begins at 5:30 pm and lasts until 6:30 pm. She will sign autographs after. I have included a link and news release about her and the event.
SAVE THE DATE Presentation by Kikkan Randall Thursday Nov. 14, 5:30-6:30 PM Hagerty Campus, Traverse City Kikkan Randall is an Olympic champion cross-country skier, mother of a 3-year old son, cancer survivor, 5-time Olympic games athlete, winner of 17 U.S. National titles and winner of the first ever cross-country skiing gold medal for the U.S. in the women’s team sprint in 2018. Kikkan is a brand ambassador and keynote speaker sharing her story to help motivate people to live healthy, active lifestyles and be the best version of themselves. Thanks to Traverse City’s own Mike Wagner, Fischer Sports is sponsoring Kikkan’s visit to our community. Kikkan will share her viewpoint on topics such as business, sports and active lifestyles as they relate to perseverance, goal setting, time management and team building. This special presentation is hosted by Hagerty and will take place on their main campus at 141 Rivers Edge Drive, Traverse City. Kikkan will be available following her presentation to talk and sign autographs. She will have her “It’s Going to be OK!“ socks for purchase. Please spread the word about this special event.
Training Logs
Please update your log. Logs are due next week on Wednesday, November 6 at our mandatory after school team meeting.
Reading for the Week
The quote below is from one of the USA’s best distance runners of all time. A great message as we head into our off-season.
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
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Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
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Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
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Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
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Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
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We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 7:29PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #11 10/28/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 10/21/19)
Regional ReCap
Saturday was a very good day for Traverse City Central Cross Country. Our boys and girls teams were Regional Champions. This was the boys first regional title since 2013. Our race was certainly a product of a lot of hard work and focus by the team. All 40 boys are responsible for this seasons success.
The success of cross country programs is the result of hard work and support by many people. From the introduction to the sport in elementary school, further progression and experience with our fantastic middle school coaches, and the support of the parents and community--our kids/you are fortunate to have an environment that allows you to grow and succeed as student-athletes. The other ingredient is doing the hardwork--together-as a true team.
Next week is the State Finals. We are ready.
Keep the ball rolling Trojans………..
This Week-Week of October 28, 2019
This Weeks Schedule
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Practice Mon-Tue-Thurs at 3:20 at CHS
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Friday practice for Varsity at 12:30 pm (½ day of school)
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Fox and Hounds Race on Wednesday. Meet at CHS at 3:20 and we will plan to race at 4ish at the Civic Center.
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State Finals on Saturday, November 2nd. Boys race at 3:30. Girls at 2:30. Details for the day will be emailed to the parents of the competing runners early in the week.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Mandatory Team Meeting on Wednesday, November 6 at 3:20 pm. This will last approximately 30 minutes. Bring your completed training log.
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End of Season Celebration is Monday, November 18th in the CHS Cafeteria. We begin at 6:30 pm with dessert. I will email more details in the coming week. As I discussed at the parents meeting to start the season, I will be asking Junior parents to help with the Celebration. There is not much involved, but I am in need of assistance. Thank you very much. Info to come soon.
Non-Varsity Runner Expectations for this Week
On Wednesday we will have our annual Fox and Hounds race. This is a handicapped race. The athletes will begin the race at staggered times, based upon their season best 5k time. The idea is that all of the guys are finishing close together. The race will take place at the Civic Center.
Training Logs
Please update your log. Logs are due next week on Wednesday, November 6 at our mandatory after school team meeting.
State Meet Information
The bus for the athletes running in the State Finals will leave at 7:30 a.m. We will be traveling with the girls. More details will be given to the boys at practice this week.
Our Racing Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
11/2/19 State Finals Top 7 compete
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Distance runners — remember development takes time.
The XC season starts in the Track season.
The Track season is shaped by the XC season.
Each season impacts the other — if you miss time during one it will be reflected the following season.
Do your best to keep showing up!
Reading for the Week
The reading I have posted this week is one I came across this week while doing some research. Boys, please read carefully.
Characteristics of a Great Teammate
The second article that I am sharing is a fascinating look at the training of an Olympic and World Champion and World Record Holder. Delilah Muhammad is the World Record Holder in the Women’s 400m Hurdles. This article gives a glimpse of the coach/athlete relationship and the training she does to the best very best in her event.
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
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Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 8:40PM
V
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #10 10/21/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 10/14/19)
BNC CHAMPIONS!
Tuesday saw the boys win Traverse City Central’s first boys BNC XC title since 2014. Ours is a very tough cross country conference, so winning a title is very big accomplishment. A huge factor in the outcome was our ability to run in a tight pack. As I have written many times, and something we talk to the boys about daily, great cross country teams have to run tight and near the front. We are finally accomplishing this. In addition, this was evident in the JV race as well. Though we lost by 2 points, our pack running up front was critical. As our program develops, from our 1st man to our 40th man, this has to become part of what we do---always.
Northern Michigan Cross Country Championships
Another big day for the cross country program! Our Varsity team won the title with 20 points and our JV team was 2nd--again 2 points behind West. The work put in by the boys over the summer and this season was shown yesterday. Of the boys who ran, 19 had either season or personal bests. For many of the boys, this was their last race of the season and it is always a good way to finish. It is a great meet and usually results in good times.
Another reason I like this meet is that it allows us/fans to see our entire programs together in one place. Watching the young Trojans, boys and girls, compete is so exciting and fun! We don’t get to do this often, so events like yesterday are important.
Keep the ball rolling Trojans………..
Thank You
Thank you for all of your kind words, emails, phone calls, etc while I was away. It has been a difficult period, but I also like to find good in situations like this as well. The time I got to spend with her, my dad, and brother and sisters was very special. Again, thank you.
I returned to practice and school on Thursday and am very glad to be back with the boys.
All City Champions
Congratulations to our Boys Middle School Cross Country team! The boys won the All City Meet last Thursday. On Saturday the boys placed 2nd at the Northern Michigan XC Championships. Trojan Cross Country has a bright future!
This Week-Week of October 14, 2019
This Weeks Schedule
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Practice Mon-Friday at 3:20 at CHS
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Saturday is the Regional Championship at Benzie Central HS. Varsity only. Boys race at 3:30 pm
Non-Varsity Runner Expectations for the last 2 weeks of the Season
Runners who are not on the travel team will still be expected to meet each day after school to run. They can use this time to get their season miles in. We will also have our annual Fox and Hound Race the week before the State Finals. Day and time will be announced this week at practice.
Also, I have encouraged all of the boys to race the Zombie Run on Saturday morning. (link for registration is below) This is an excellent opportunity to use their awesome fitness to record a fast 5k time on the road. In the afternoon, they can travel down to Benzie to watch their teammates.
Regional Information
Our regional meet will be next Saturday at Benzie Central High School. The girls will race at 2:30 p.m. and boys race at 3:30 p.m. Regional Information
In the regional and state meet we are only able to run 7 athletes. Our final championship team was determined this past week. Gerbs, Cole, Drew, Sully, Matt, Luke, and Joe M will make up our Varsity team. In addition, we are able to have up to 3 reserve runners. These athletes will be determined tomorrow after practice by the coaches.
Our Racing Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
10/26/19 Regional Championships Top 7 compete
11/2/19 State Finals Top 7 compete
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Reading/Video of the Week
With the season winding down, I have shared a comment made by Jonathan Marcus, who is the director of High Performance West in Portland, Oregon. He makes the point that one season in the life of a distance runner shapes the next. It is important, if you want to succeed at your optimal level, to continue your training. I have heard, just over the past few days, many of the boys state that they are excited about indoor track, outdoor track and next cross country season. This excitement needs to be coupled with continued training!
Distance runners — remember development takes time.
The XC season starts in the Track season.
The Track season is shaped by the XC season.
Each season impacts the other — if you miss time during one it will be reflected the following season.
Do your best to keep showing up!
Reminder……
-
Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 11:28AM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #9 10/14/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 10/7/19)
More Portage Re-Cap information……..
After looking at last weeks Portage results and discussing with Coach Lukens, here are a few things that really stood out:
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We had 15 boys set PBs (personal bests)
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All of our 9th graders sent PBs
Keep the ball rolling Trojans………..
Update on My Situation
My mom passed away early Friday morning and her funeral will be Tuesday. Thank you for your many kind and supportive words. The emails, texts, and pictures have meant a lot. It has been a tough two weeks, but also one filled with many blessings. I plan to be back at school and with the boys on Thursday. The best part of the season is here and I can’t wait to get back with the kids. Again, my sincerest thanks.
This Week-Week of October 14, 2019
This Weeks Schedule
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Practice Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday at 3:20 at CHS
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Tuesday is Big North Conference XC Championships at the Gaylord Country Club
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Saturday is the Northern Michigan XC Championships at Michaywe (race schedule link below)
Tuesday Time Schedule
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Boys excused from class at 12:30 pm
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Bus leaves at 12:45 pm
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Arrive at Gaylord Country Club approx. 2:15 pm
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Girls Varsity Race at 4:00 pm
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Boys Varsity Race at 4:30 pm
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Girls JV race at 5:00 pm
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Boys JV race at 5:30 pm
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The top 7 in the Varsity race are 1st team All Conference and receive medals. The second 7 in the Varsity race are 2nd team All Conference and also receive medals.
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The conference team champion is the winner of this race.
Northern Michigan Cross Country Championships at Michaywe Golf Course on Saturday, October 19
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BUS LEAVES at 8:30 a.m.
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Varsity Boys race at 12:00 Noon
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JV Boys race at 1:00 p.m.
Our Racing Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
10/15/19 BNC Championships Entire team competes
10/19/19 North. Mi. XC Champs Entire team competes
10/26/19 Regional Championships Top 7 compete
11/2/19 State Finals Top 7 compete
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Reading/Video of the Week
I have attached an article about Woody Kincaid, who is a professional runner for the Bowerman Track Club. Woody recently ran 12:58 for 5000m. Obviously the time is fantastic and makes him the 5th fastest American ever, but what is more interesting is his mindset leading into the race. He experienced a lot of what YOU DO…. doubt, uncertainty, and worry. BUT, he believed in his coach(es) and himself. He got it done.
Underneath the article will also find another on Eliud Kipchoge, who became the first man to break 2 hours for the marathon! I have talked about him before. An amazing athlete and person. Enjoy the article. We will talk about this more next week.
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 10:57AM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #8 10/7/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 9/30/19)
Portage ReCap
Portage provided the entire team an opportunity to compete in an elite cross country invitational and test ourselves against the best Division 1 teams in the state. Looking at our results, we had some very solid performances. In many ways, this was a pre-State Meet. For all of the boys, the focus in the next week will be sharpening, as we cut back on the volume of our work and begin a process of fine tuning our fitness. Our conference championship is 10 days away.
. Keep the ball rolling Trojans.
Update on My Situation
Thank you for your many kind and supportive words. As of this morning (Sunday) we are still in a waiting period. It has been a tough week, but also one filled with many blessings. I will keep you posted. Coach Lukens, Anderson, and Houghton will continue with the boys- nothing changes.
This Week-Week of October 7, 2019
This Weeks Schedule
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Practice Mon-Friday at 3:20 at CHS
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Saturday morning run at 9 a.m. CHS
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Picture Day is Wednesday (October 9). Here is the link to order pictures. You can only order by using this link. TC Rick Sports Photos
Our Racing Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
10/15/19 BNC Championships Entire team competes
10/19/19 North. Mi. XC Champs Entire team competes
10/26/19 Regional Championships Top 7 compete
11/2/19 State Finals Top 7 compete
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Reading/Video of the Week
This past week’s World Championships has provided many, many outstanding performances. Here is a link to the Men’s 800m Final. The champion, Donavan Brazier, is from Michigan, as he graduated from Kenowa Hills High School. Donavan also ran xc in high school.
Donavan Brazier 800m World Champion
Reminder……
-
Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 6:57PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #7 9/30/19
Week That Was Recap……..(week of 9/22/19)
This past week we mixed it up a bit. Some of the boys raced Wednesday and allowed us to get a look at some of our BNC competition. It was a fun event out at Rasho and allowed the boys to get on a great xc course. Thank you to all of the parents who helped and came out to support the team!
We also had some good workouts with a well attended Saturday morning session. The hard work continues and the Championship part of the season is getting close!
. Keep the ball rolling Trojans.
This Week-Week of September 30
This Weeks Schedule
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Practice Mon-Friday at 3:20 at CHS
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Race on Saturday at Portage
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Picture Day will be October 9th , 2019. Wear your black long sleeve TCCXC shirt.
Here is the link for ordering pictures TC Rick Sports Photos You must use this link to order. All ordering is done electronically.
PORTAGE INVITATIONAL WEBSITE/MEET INFORMATION
Portage Time Schedule
Load 8:15 am
Leave CHS 8:30 am
Stop for break around 10:30 am
Arrive at Portage West Middle School 12:00
Race Varsity 2:00 pm
Race JV 4 pm
Leave 5 pm
Stop for food
Arrive back at CHS 9 pm
PLEASE NOTE-- We will not be racing at Charlevoix on October 3. I want to take all of our boys to the Portage Invitational (Oct. 5), so we will focus on training next week and all will race at the best invitational in the state on October 5.
Our Racing Schedule for the Remainder of the Season
10/5/19 Portage Invitational Entire team competes
10/15/19 BNC Championships Entire team competes
10/19/19 North. Mi. XC Champs Entire team competes
10/26/19 Regional Championships Top 7 compete
11/2/19 State Finals Top 7 compete
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Sponsors
Thank you to all who have sponsored our team or helped secure a sponsor. Your support is very much appreciated! Our banner is being completed now. We will have it for Portage.
Reading/Video of the Week
This week I am asking you/boys/parents- to take some time and watch the Track and Field World Championships that began Friday in Doha. It is going to be a fantastic week of track and field!! The meet is on NBC and NBC sports.
Reminder……
-
Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 9:13PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #6 9/22/19
Week That Was Recap……..
Cougar-Falcon Invitational
We had a very good meet on Saturday! Our team won our division, we had many medalists in the varsity, jv, and freshmen races and were able to run on a great xc course. The most important aspect of today’s meet was the development of the team and each boy getting a chance to compete. It was very pleasing as a coach to see the boys continue to implement what they have been learning in workouts regarding pacing and running as a group. In each race today, it was so evident that they are truly understanding this concept. This is what makes great teams--the ability to pack your runners together, push and pull each other through the race when it gets tough, and celebrate together when it comes to fruition. An example of how this has improved just in the past year is this…. Last year in the varsity race we had a time spread between our 1st and 5th runners of 1:15, this year it was 1:03. Ideally we will be within 45 seconds, certainly under a minute. When looking at our JV race today, we had many packs of guys racing together. Fantastic! Also, our 9th grade runners were able to compete in their own division and gained valuable experience. I was very impressed with how they handled themselves in their race day preparation.
A day that was very challenging due to the weather saw a team that is working hard show how tough they are. The work continues. Keep the ball rolling Trojans.
This Week-Week of September 22
Home Meet Information for Wednesday
For our meet this Wednesday most of the boys will be racing. Our plan is that our Junior Varsity team will race, with our top 7 and runners coming back from injury/illness sitting this race out. This will be a great opportunity for our kids to race at the Rasho course over a 2 mile xc course and maybe earn some awards.
Please Note: Bus transportation to the meet will be provided right after school for those who need it. The boys will need to be picked up from the race course as it is only one way transportation. If your son drives, he may drive out to the course but only transport himself. He must also follow the bus.
Home Meet-Part 2
As mentioned, on Wednesday we are hosting a 4 team home xc meet at the Rasho Cross Country Course (next to Courtade Elementary). As discussed at the parent meeting, we rely on our parents to help at the meet. The “jobs” are not difficult--parking duty, finish line assistance, and course marshalling. You will also be able to watch your son/daughter compete. The racing begins at 5:00 pm with the girls race, followed at 5:30 pm by the boys. Below you will find a link to Sign Up Genius for you to sign up for a spot. Thank you in advance!!!!
Communication regarding Volunteer Spots will be sent out MONDAY.
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys. Sleep is the #1 most effective recovery method!
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Upcoming Week
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday this week we have practice at 3:20 pm after school.
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Wednesday is a meet day for some of the team. Those not running will workout with Coach Lukens.
Sponsors
Thank you to all who have sponsored our team or helped secure a sponsor. Your support is very much appreciated! Our banner is being completed now. We are hoping to have it by the end of the week for our meet at Calvin College (Cougar-Falcon Invitational).
Reading/Video of the Week
I have included 2 articles this week about the importance of sleep for you (boys). The second one is an interesting study done by a college coach and sports scientist. If you are interested in the science of running, the book TheScience of Running by Steve Magness is outstanding.
The Importance of Sleep Part 1
Interesting Study on Sleep, Performance, etc.
Reminder……
-
Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 9:57PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #5 9/15/19
Week of 9/15/19
Week That Was Recap……..
We had a solid week of training, with a part of the team racing Friday at MSU. This point in the season is tough. We are progressing in our training, which means we are doing some very hard workouts. In addition, we are starting to race. The exciting part of all of this is seeing the kids make very good gains in their fitness and completing workouts that a short time ago would not have been possible. This isn’t only due to fitness gains, but it is also due in large part to how they have progressed in their thinking--their ability to manage discomfort and push themselves a bit more. This is a very important component of being a successful distance runner. If you have the time, I would encourage you to come watch one of our hard workouts. One, you can see what we do with the boys in a training session. Two, you will also get an idea of what goes in to conducting a workout with 40 boys doing the same thing, but at different levels AND how they are very much a part of the workout--not just running it, but organizing the flow of the workout. This coming week we will be doing our hard workout days on Monday and Wednesday at the Civic Center.
On Friday, 10 boys raced at the MSU Invitational in the Spartan Elite race. The event was adjusted the day before due to expected severe storms, so we were only able to race 10. Thankfully, the severe storms never hit, but the heat and humidity made it a rather difficult day to race. However, as we tell the boys…. Everyone has to race in it, so let’s use it to our advantage. Our boys ended up 7th in the Elite race and the 4th Michigan team (3 Ohio teams beat us). This was a very good result for us. It was also an example of why EVERY SINGLE MEMBER of a xc team is important. We had one member of our top 5 not race due to illness, so that meant a 9th grader ended up being our 5th man (scorer)! We had a 1-5 spread (difference between our 1st finisher and 5th (last scorer) of 1:08, which is pretty good for this early in the season. By the end of the season, we shoot for under 1:00. In addition the 4 boys who could not race due to the change of schedules, came anyway and ran a time trial on the course. This says a lot. This was a high quality race and experience which will only help us get better by the end of the season.
Thank you to the parents who organized the food for the trip. AWESOME!
This Week-Week of September 15
Taking Care of Your Body
My weekly PSA regarding the importance of rest, eating right and hydrating. Make it a priority boys.
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Upcoming Week
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Monday-Friday this week we have practice at 3:20 pm after school.
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I want to make sure that I address this as well… I realize that Friday is the Patriot game. You have also made a commitment to our team. All are expected at practice on Friday. This is a pre-meet day and is very important. We also will be done earlier than normal.
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Our next competition is Saturday, September 21 at Calvin College. All boys will be making the trip to compete. Information link will be found below at the end of the newsletter. This is a fun meet and will provide very good competitive opportunities for all of the boys. We will be able to run 10 in the varsity race. Our JV runners will compete in another race and our 9th grade boys(who are not on varsity) will compete in their own separate race. Varsity team will be announced at practice Monday or Tuesday. I will provide the boys with an itinerary later in the week. For ? of the team, this will be their first race in 3 weeks. It will be exciting to see the results of 3 good weeks of training.
Sponsors
Thank you to all who have sponsored our team or helped secure a sponsor. Your support is very much appreciated! Our banner is being completed now. We are hoping to have it by the end of the week for our meet at Calvin College (Cougar-Falcon Invitational).
Reading/Video of the Week
Here is an interesting and cool story about how the best team in the NCAA (Northern Arizona) and the best collegiate team in Japan happened to race against each other recently. The article provides good insight into the differences of focus of the two programs, plus really drives home the importance of taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.
NAU and Japanese Collegiate Champs Race in XC
Home Meet
On Wednesday, September 25 we are hosting a 4 team home xc meet at the Rasho Cross Country Course (next to Courtade Elementary). As discussed at the parent meeting, we rely on our parents to help at the meet. The “jobs” are not difficult--parking duty, finish line assistance, and course marshalling. You will also be able to watch your son/daughter compete. The racing begins at 5:00 pm with the girls race, followed at 5:30 pm by the boys. Below you will find a link to Sign Up Genius for you to sign up for a spot. Thank you in advance!!!!
Thank you to those who have signed up already!!! Specific information will be sent out next weekend.
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
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Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
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Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
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Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
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Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
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We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
Cougar/Falcon Invitational at Calvin College Information
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Our bus will leave CHS at 5:30 a.m. sharp. If you are not on the bus when we leave, you will not race.
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All 3 divisions will race in the same race, but will be scored separately.
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Make sure that you pack pre-race food and bring your water. We will stop on the way home to get lunch. Either bring money to buy lunch or pack your lunch.
4.0 years ago @ 6:53PM by Bryan Burns
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #4 9/8/19
Week of 9/8/19
Week That Was Recap……..
The first week of school is behind us. Hopefully the boys are settling into a regular schedule of rest, school, healthy eating and hydration and training.
We had a good week of workouts--with two of the days being hard efforts focusing on building our aerobic capacity. Group running has been a focus this week. Please ask your son about the importance of group running in xc.
Some boys will be competing this Friday at MSU. We are taking a partial team to this event. Our first “big road trip” as a team will be next Saturday when we travel to Calvin College.
This Week-Week of September 8
School Starting
Sleep, Eating properly, Hydrating, getting on a schedule, good study habits……. The boys have been getting this message from us for the past three weeks. The time is upon us and it is critical that all of the above become a top priority so that you/the boys can be successful in the classroom and in running.
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Upcoming Week
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Monday-Thursday this week we have practice at 3:20 pm after school. Friday will be a senior led practice for those not competing at MSU. The expectation is that the boys meet at 3:20 after school on Friday and get their run in. Our seniors who stay back will organize the run.
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Friday 15 of our boys will be running at the MSU Invitational. We announced our lineup on Friday at practice. Our varsity (top 7) will be running in the Spartan Elite Division and our next 8 will be running in the Junior Varsity Elite race. This will be a big test for our team. Race times are 1:25 for the Spartan Elite Race and 2:20 for the JV Elite Race. The races are held at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the MSU campus. See athletic.net for maps, time schedule,etc. Email me with any other questions.
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The girls will also be traveling with us and running in the same corresponding races.
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Our next competition is Saturday, September 21 at Calvin College. All boys will be making the trip to compete. More on this meet next week.
Sponsorship--IT IS NOT TOO LATE!!
Thank you to those who have secured or became a sponsor. This support is greatly appreciated. A few of you have spoke to me this past week about a potential sponsorship--if you will be a sponsor, please let me know today (Monday). I want to have you added to the banner.
Newsworthy Item!!
Those boys who were on the team 2 years ago and were at camp, remember our camp speaker. Nick Willis is a friend who is also a two time Olympic 1500m medalist. He is from New Zealand, went to Michigan and still lives in Ann Arbor. He spoke to the boys 2 years ago when he was in the area. Today Nick won his record 5th 5th Avenue Mile in New York City. He ran 3:51 for one mile! Here is a link to the article.
Nick Willis 5th Avenue Mile Win
Reading/Video of the Week
The link below contains an article and video clip about the Brigham Young Men’s Cross Country team. BYU is the #2 ranked NCAA men’s team and has a history of exceptional distance running. This article gives a bit of insight into their program and has a funny video that given the context, I think the boys can relate. Sometimes you have to do something to spice up a run. Thanks to Coach Houghton for sharing!
Home Meet
On Wednesday, September 25 we are hosting a 4 team home xc meet at the Rasho Cross Country Course (next to Courtade Elementary). As discussed at the parent meeting, we rely on our parents to help at the meet. The “jobs” are not difficult--parking duty, finish line assistance, and course marshalling. You will also be able to watch your son/daughter compete. The racing begins at 5:00 pm with the girls race, followed at 5:30 pm by the boys. Below you will find a link to Sign Up Genius for you to sign up for a spot. Thank you in advance!!!!
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
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Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
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Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
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Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
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Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
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We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 7:31PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #3 9/1/19
Week of 9/1/19
Week That Was Recap……..
We had a good week of workouts, with a race for most of the team on Thursday. The Hoka 2 mile at Benzie allowed many our runners to get in another competitive experience as well as experiencing a fun course. The addition of hay bales on the course is actually a glimpse of how cross country started in England. Also, take a look at this past years World XC Championships and you will see that in America, we are “spoiled” with our nicely manicured courses, etc. :)
Aarhus/ World XC Championships 2019
All in all, another solid week of training!
This Week-Week of September 1
School Starting
Sleep, Eating properly, Hydrating, getting on a schedule, good study habits……. The boys have been getting this message from us for the past two weeks. Well, the time is upon us. It is critical that all of the above become a top priority so that you/the boys can be successful in the classroom and in running.
Camp and Participant Fees
If you have not, this is a gentle reminder to please pay your camp and/or participant fees. If you pay by check, please make it payable to TCC Athletic Boosters. Participant fee can be paid online using Final Forms. THANK YOU! Camp is $180 and Participant Fee is $100.
Upcoming Week
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With school starting, we will now be practicing everyday after school. The boys are to meet in our normal spot by 3:20. We will be finished by 5:15 p.m.
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Since Friday is a half day of school, we will practice right after school.
Sponsorship--IT IS NOT TOO LATE!!
Please consider being a sponsor of our team--or better yet your place of employment, business, or friends/family. I will take sponsorships until this Friday, September 6. Sponsor support provides assistance to the boys by helping with travel costs, training and coaching fees/expenses, food/drinks after some meets and practices, assists with camp costs for those that need it, etc. In other words, it allows us to provide a quality experience for the kids.
The forms can be found in the team booklet that I emailed to you earlier this season, handed out at the parent meeting, and on the team webpage under the “News” tab. (this is another copy of the team booklet) . I am trying to keep to the August 28 deadline so I can have the banner made and hopefully ready for MSU. THANK YOU!
Donavan Brazier
To close out the newsletter this week, here is a race video from this past weekends Diamond League 800m final. Donavan Brazier of the USA wins the title. Watch the race closely. He executes very even pacing and wins in a time .1 off of the American Record. Why watch this? Well, it is a heck of a race. BUT, guess what Donavan has in common with every single one of you (boys)? He is from Michigan (Kenowa Hills H.S.) AND he ran cross country in high school. In fact, he was an All State XC runner. Enjoy the race!!
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
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Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
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Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
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Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
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Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
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We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 7:54AM by Bryan Burns
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #2
Week of 8/25/19
Week That Was Re-Cap…….
Camp
We had another great camp out at the Leelanau Outdoor Center. Not only did we get in a great 4 days of training, we were also able to spend time together as a team getting to know each other, establishing and talking about goals for the season, have some fun together, and learn.
Once again we were fortunate to have an outstanding speaker talk with the boys and girls teams. Kevin Hanson of the Brooks/Hanson Distance Project came out to camp. Google the Brooks/Hanson Distance Project and you will see why we were so fortunate. I continue to emphasize to the boys that what we do, what we have available to us, can not be taken for granted. A point of emphasis this week was what kind of example do we want to set for each other? Our teammates? The future of this program? I am very serious about establishing a culture that embraces success and all that goes into making it happen; About being a good teammate and looking out for each other, not just being concerned about ourselves. We have work to do in these areas, so it was important to have Kevin speak on these topics as well.
Readings
One component of our program that I feel is valuable is providing opportunities for the boys to read/watch material that engages them and gets them to think about different aspects of performance-be it athletic, academic, etc and to discuss and share with each other. This week at camp we began this with two articles that we read and discussed. Please ask your son about the articles, what he learned from them and what was discussed. In fact, I think many of you would be interested in reading them, so ask them to share!!
Benzie Invitational
First race under our belts! For some of the boys, the main objective was to just test their fitness level after a summer of running. For our young kids, the primary goal was to just get experience in a high school cross country race. We had many, many high points today. We also use the day to learn and plan for the upcoming training.
Our varsity team was 4th in a highly competitive race. The 3 teams that beat us are consistent state title contenders in D1 or D2. We were not far behind.
Our JV team WON the meet, which is extremely important as these are our future varsity runners. Soooooo many 9th and 10th graders in the race for us---very encouraging! It demonstrates depth to a program, which is critical.
Thank you for coming out this morning and supporting the boys!
The results for the meet can be found at www.athletic.net
Upcoming Week
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This week we will begin practicing in the afternoon. Our practices Monday - Wednesday this week will begin at 3:30 p.m. We will be finished by 5:15 p.m.
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Friday we will practice at 9 a.m.
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Thursday is a race day for most of the team. We will let the boys know who is competing on Monday. This meet will be at Benzie Central again. Meet information can be found at www.athletic.net
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Those not racing Thursday will have an alternate practice which we will discuss with the boys.
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The bus for Thursday’s race at Benzie will leave at 3:45. We race at 6:30 p.m. (Girls at 6 p.m.)Next week (the first week of school) we will practice right after school, beginning at 3:20 p.m.
Sponsorship
Please consider being a sponsor of our team--or better yet your place of employment, business, or friends/family. Sponsor support provides assistance to the boys by helping with travel costs, training and coaching fees/expenses, food/drinks after some meets and practices, assists with camp costs for those that need it, etc. In other words, it allows us to provide a quality experience for the kids.
The forms can be found in the team booklet that I emailed to you earlier this season, handed out at the parent meeting, and on the team webpage under the “News” tab. (this is another copy of the team booklet) . I am trying to keep to the August 28 deadline so I can have the banner made and hopefully ready for MSU. THANK YOU!
Reminder……
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Our team website is Trojan Cross Country Website
-
Please bookmark this. Under the News tab is where you will find our weekly newsletter and other important items.
-
Under the Photos tab you will find pictures that Coach Houghton and I take at meets, camp, etc.
-
Under the Links tab you will find helpful links such as www.athletic.net
-
Please have your son show you how to navigate athletic.net On our page it will have all meet information that we participate in.
-
We can be found on Twitter @TraverseCross
Thank you for your support!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 11:00PM
Trojan Boys Cross Country Weekly News and Notes #1
August 18, 2019
Week In Review
We have had a very good start to our season. Our roster is still being updated, but we expect approximately 40 boys to be running xc again this season--this is a fantastic number. Parents, I also thank you for attending our parent meeting Wednesday night. We had a great turnout--close to 100%
Week 1 is in the books and ended with a 2.5 mile time trial at the Civic Center. This was a good fitness test and will help guide us as we move forward these next few weeks. It also helped us establish our varsity team for next week’s Benzie Invitational. The top 7 runners from yesterday will be our Varsity team. The remainder of the boys will run in the Junior Varsity race.
A big thanks to the families who provided the refreshments after yesterday’s time trial!
Rest, proper nutrition and habits, and hydrating is important for our bodies to perform. Please remind your son’s of this. They are getting it from the coaches each day as well.
Camp
We will leave for camp on Tuesday at 3:30 pm. We moved the departure time up 30 minutes to ensure we are able to get a short run in when we arrive and not be rushed getting to dinner. The bus from Camp will be ready to load at 3:15 at CHS. Phones are not to be at camp. If the boys bring them, we will store them in a safe place. On departure day, I will send out a Remind message to let you know our return progress. We plan to be back at CHS at 2 pm.
Practice for this Week
Monday 8 a.m. at CHS
Tuesday 8 a.m. at CHS, Registration afterwards. LEAVE FOR CAMP at 3:30 pm
W-Fri CAMP.
Sat. Benzie Invitational. BUS LEAVES from CHS at 8:00 a.m. Arrive at 7:45 a.m.
Those not attending camp will meet at 8 am W-Fri with Coach Lukens for their workout
BENZIE INVITATIONAL on Saturday, August 24th
Race is held at Benzie Central HS See athletic.net for info. The link is on our webpage in the links section.
Bus Leaves CHS at 8:00 a.m. BE AT SCHOOL BY 7:45 a.m to load.
Varsity races at 10:45 a.m.
JV Races at 12 pm
Team Store
Reminder to order your team gear soon. The store closes August 21 at 11:59. This is how you get your required gear and any fan gear!! Again, visit the links section on our webpage.
Player Fees and Camp Fee
Please pay ASAP. Player Fees can be paid on Final Forms. Camp Fees are to be paid by check, made out to TCC Athletic Boosters.
A Few Items I Forgot to Mention at Our Parent Meeting…..
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Each athlete should have a running watch and have it each day at practice. This is an important piece of equipment. You can purchase a Timex or Casio running watch at Meijer, Target or Walmart and pay under $20. You do not need to get a GPS watch such as a Garmin--unless you want to.
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We have an excellent sports medicine staff at CHS. We are very, very fortunate to have Amy Ream and her staff work with our student athletes. If an athlete is injured we immediately have Amy assess their injury and will then establish a proper course of action. You, as a parent, are kept in the loop as well. This is how our use of Final Forms is valuable. The key to injury treatment and prevention is communication. The athlete needs to communicate to us (coaches) if there is an issue. If they tell you (parent) something about their health, please let us know--as they will not always tell us. Once the athlete is assessed, a plan of treatment is established and we can also have your so begin cross training. Our cardio room at CHS is top notch and we can keep an athlete in reasonable share while the injury heals.
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IF INJURED, YOUR SON MUST STILL COME TO PRACTICE. HE IS STILL PART OF THE TEAM.
Have a great week!
Go Trojans!
Coach Burns
4.0 years ago @ 11:26PM
Trojan Cross Country Season Information Booklet
The link above is our Season Information Booklet. Please read it carefully. We will go over much of it at the Parent Meeting as well.
4.0 years ago @ 11:13PM
Reminder: Our first day of official, mandatory workouts is August 12th. We will meet at 5:30 pm in the CHS Courtyard ( by the flagpole). We will do our workout and then have a team meeting and pizza. Practice will end between 7 and 7:30 pm. The remainder of the week we will meet at 8 am at the CHS Courtyard (Tuesday - Friday). NOTE: on Saturday of the first week (August 17) we will workout at 9:00 am at CHS.
4.0 years ago @ 3:52PM
