DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE HOMESCHOOLED?
Yes. Trailblazers is a homeschool sports organization and our mission is to provide a competitive place for homeschooled students to play sports who may not have access otherwise. To be considered eligible to participate, each player must be in a schooling situation where, 51% of their education is based in their home, with curriculum, instruction, and graduation requirement decisions directed by their parents/guardians. If you have graduated, you are not eligible to play.
If you are not a homeschooled student, we are able to grant a limited number of exceptions. Please contact the athletic director for more details.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A TRAILBLAZER?
Right now, we offer a club for high school and middle school boys and girls. We are trying to open this up to 4th/5th grade boys and girls as well. The maximum age is no older than 19 by September 1st of the current season. The minimum will be updated as soon as we know if we have a 4th/5th grade team. Please see registration information for more details, as these dates change from year to year.
IS PREVIOUS CROSS COUNTRY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No. Previous cross country experience is definitely valuable, especially for varsity team players, but it's not a requirement for any of our teams.
WHEN DOES THE SEASON BEGIN AND END?
This year, the season begins mid-July and ends at the end of September.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Our practices are on Tuesdays, & Thursdays from 6-7:30p.m. High school students and middle school students that are ready for longer distances will also meet on Mondays from 6-7:30pm. Eventually, those that choose to be on the official team will likely also have meets on Saturdays.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This year, the club fee is $55. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, and a club shirt. Team fees will be more than this (we will know more about that number soon), but runners may choose to continue to just run at the club level for the whole season.
WHAT RUNNING GEAR IS NEEDED?
All runners should have a good pair of RUNNING shoes and a water bottle. If your child has never been fitted for running shoes, it is helpful to go to a store like the Athletic Annex and have his or her running style analyzed to choose the best shoe for his or her gait. Running shorts are also preferred for the athlete's comfort, but not required.
IS THERE A CHRISTIAN COMPONENT TO BECOMING A TRAILBLAZER?
Our mission is to promote Christian character through competitive sports. Competitive running requires training and discipline; pushing players to test their physical, mental, and emotional limits. We view the running trail as a unique venue for uncovering our responses to such tests and then shaping them in ways that honor God, edify our teammates, and reflect good stewardship of the time and talents given to each of us.
The Trailblazers coaches and board members are Christians. There is a time of devotion and prayer at the end of each practice. But it is not necessary that a child or family that participates in the Trailblazers program be Christian. We expect player and parent conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect, and it is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.