DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE HOMESCHOOLED?
No. This year Trailblazers is opening up to everyone that does not have another place to run and wants to be in a Christ-centered environment focused on families and friendship.
WHAT ARE THE AGE REQUIREMENTS TO BE A TRAILBLAZER?
Fourth grade and up.
IS PREVIOUS CROSS COUNTRY EXPERIENCE NECESSARY?
No, but giving your best effort is.
WILL THE NONCOMPETITIVE CLUB OPTION BE OFFERED THIS YEAR?
Yes, noncompetitive runners will only practice twice a week. One day will focus more on building a running base and the other day will be a game day (that involves a lot of running and a running warmup).
WHEN DOES THE SEASON BEGIN AND END?
Preseason is for competitive runners only and goes from mid-June to the end of July.
Regular season goes from the beginning of August to mid-October (for noncompetitive runners) and late October or early November (for competitive runners). Post season opportunities may be available for additional running competitions.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Practices are typically one and a half hours long.
Elementary-aged runners will be expected to run three times a week (one of the days may be run at home).
Middle school runners will be expected to run four times a week (one of the days may be run at home).
High school runners will be expected to run 5-6 times a week (3 of the days may be run at home).
Noncompetitive runners will be expected to run two times a week (these days will be set).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Cost is TBD for competitive athletes. We will try to get some sponsors to keep fees low!
Noncompetitive runners will have a $55 fee. This fee includes insurance, admin fees, and a club shirt (noncompetitive runners can opt-in to meets for an additional $5-15 depending on the meet if they would like).
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. They will also give a discount if you tell them you are a part of the Trailblazers Cross Country team. Optional racing spikes may be purchased for meets.
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 runner and parent conduct that is in keeping with moral values, such as honesty, integrity, self-control, and respect. It is necessary for participants to be in alignment with these values.