Davis High School Track and Field 2016 Season Parent/Athlete Informational Meeting

Our Philosophy We believe every student-athlete willing to embrace the “team concept” should have the opportunity to participate on a competitive interscholastic team. Our mission is to provide an environment where each student-athlete can strive to better him/herself as an athlete, teammate and human being.

Individual Goals The team supports individuals in their attempt at improving their own best marks, regardless of how these marks compare with those of other athletes. Many student-athletes aspire to continue their track and field careers after high school, and we have numerous former Blue Devils competing at the NCAA level.

Our Coaches We have seven different event groups – sprints, hurdles, throws, horizontal jumps, high jump, pole vault and distance – and each event group has its own event coach. Sprinters– Spencer Elliott and Andrew Superak High Jumpers – Lon Payne and Kaitlin Clancy Hurdlers – Jonathan Defty Throwers – Andrew Tkach Jumpers – Leo Sacramento and Jenna Strack Pole Vaulters – Rick Harper Distance runners – Bill Gregg Deputy Head Coach – Tim Groth

Roster, Contribution and Expectations Form The top portion is for you; the bottom portion is for me. If you have any questions or concerns about our philosophy or athlete expectations, please let me know.

DHS Athletic Clearance Card Priority number one is to give me a “DHS Athletics Clearance Card.” You will receive this card when you submit your sports physical forms to the Athletics Office. Contact Jeff Lorenson or Laurie Williams with questions: If you already have your paperwork on file from a DHS sport this school year, you simply need to get a copy of the clearance card from the athletics office. There will be one paperwork turn in night on 2/1, 6-8pm in the gym lobby.

How do I get on the roster? Visit the team website: then find the link to Login code: davis#1 Note: If you already have an xcstats account, you do not need a new one. You do, however, need to log in and double check your contact information.

Uniforms If you have a uniform from cross country or last year’s track team, you do not need a new one. They are the same. If you need a uniform, visit and find the link to the on-line store. Be sure to enter the coupon code: DAVISTF16 DEADLINE: You must place your order by January 19 th. Please send me a text or an in case of financial hardship.

Other DHS Track Swag Other items: Sweats and T-shirts are available through the Ink Monkey On-line store. (Thank you, Katie Blakewell) You can find a link on or you can visit: category/dhs-track-and-field/ DUE DATE: The on-line store will close Wednesday, 2/17.

Transportation Forms The “Student Alternative Transportation Form” was imbedded in the medical clearance packet beginning in the spring. It wasn’t in the fall. Please give these to Laurie Williams. The “Student Alternative Transportation Form” was imbedded in the medical clearance packet beginning in the spring. It wasn’t in the fall. Please give these to Laurie Williams. Each potential parent driver needs to submit a “Volunteer Personal Automobile Use Form.” Please give these to Laurie Williams in the athletics office. Each potential parent driver needs to submit a “Volunteer Personal Automobile Use Form.” Please give these to Laurie Williams in the athletics office.

Operational Costs The district funds a single class 1 coaching stipend and two class 2 coaching stipends. We receive no other financial support from the district. We have to fundraise for the remainder of our operational costs, which are necessary for our sport to function.

Operational Costs Hiring a starter for our four home meets: $1,500 Bus transportation to our four bus-travel meets: $10, School Van Usage: $ Booster paid coaches: $8,000 Sub costs for teachers who coach: $1, Hotels and travel to State Meet: estimate based on years past, $2,000 Meet entrance fees: estimate based on years past, $2,000. Equipment of the sport: estimate based on years past, $3,000 Purchasing uniforms for those who can’t afford them: estimate based on years past, $600 Banquet Facility Use: $150 Total: 29,784.72

Operational Costs Money out: $29, Money in: We can count on making around $5,000 at the Halden Invitational. Athletes on the team: 160 (estimate based on years past) The Suggested Donation is: $186 per athlete.

Athlete Expectations: Practice Practice begins at 4pm, Monday through Friday. Student-Athletes should be seated and ready for attendance at 4pm. Practice ends at the discretion of the event coach. This can vary from day to day. Most groups are done by 6pm. Athletes should arrive prepared for practice. Event coaches will communicate event-specific equipment. For now, athletes should have running shoes, athletic shorts/shirt, and warm-up pants that cover the entire leg.

Athlete Expectations: Meets Delta League meets are mandatory meets for every athlete. Plan your schedule accordingly. I expect everyone to stay at league meets until the end of the 4x400m relay (This is not necessarily true of invitational meets). Let your event coach know before the day of the meet if you must leave early.

Athlete Expectations Can I join the team if I need to miss practice on a regular basis? If you would like to join the team, but you need to miss practice on a regular basis, please talk to me. I must have this conversation with you in advance. Sometimes it works; sometimes it doesn’t.

Athlete Expectations: Requesting to miss practice For homework/family events, etc, athletes must ASK permission to miss practice no less than 24 hours prior to that practice. You may drop by my classroom, or you may me and Coach Tim via xcstats. I will not have these conversations during practice – the line is so long, I can’t coach. If you are sick or there is some other urgent matter, please let me know as soon as you can. THREE unexcused absences will result in removal from the team.

Club Soccer and other sports If you are considering playing a sport while simultaneously participating on the track team, please have a conversation with me in advance. Sometimes this works; often, it does not.  Fatigue and overtraining  Time management  Stress about conflicting games/meets  Increased risk of injury

Other DHS Sports Athletes participating in winter DHS sports should prioritize their winter sport over track and field until that season is over. Once the winter sport season ends, athletes should prioritize track and field over other DHS sports.

Please do not join the team if… Your only reason for joining is to earn PE (I.L.S.) credit. You intend to quit prior to the end of the season. Important Dates: Halden Invitational, 4/23 Halden Invitational, 4/23 League Championships, 5/6 and 5/13 League Championships, 5/6 and 5/13 League Meets, 3/16, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20 League Meets, 3/16, 3/30, 4/6, 4/20

Volunteers Needed: SIGN UP GENIUS FOR HOME MEETS This involves setting up and ing out a signup genius for our home meets. AWARDS BANQUET COORDINATOR Dates to be determined FULLY-AUTOMATIC TIMING OPERATOR We’re always looking for those interested in learning the skills necessary to run our finishline. VARIOUS HALDEN INVITATIONAL COORDINATOR POSITIONS The meet is April 23 rd this year; positions include “awards,” “coaches hospitality,” etc. Please let me know if you are interested in and/or would like more info about these jobs.

Volunteers Needed… In addition to the jobs on the previous slide, there will be several opportunities to volunteer: Driving in carpools, helping at home meets, etc.

Preseason Conditioning Monday through Thursday, 4-5:30pm at the DHS track. This is a critical part of the season/training!

I have my cell phone on before, during, and after practice. You can always call or me with questions and concerns about practice or meet attendance. Cell: , Visit throughout the season. This is one tool we use to communicate information and celebrate our team’s accomplishments.