What does my athlete need for practice?

Athletes should present at practice with the following:

• Comfortable running shorts and running top - clothing should not be loose fitting or baggy;
• Running shoes or cross-trainers - not basketball shoes, high-tops, or Jordan's;
• Running spikes and/or specialty field event shoes;
• Water and drinks containing electrolytes.

What should I expect from practices?

We try to begin practice promptly at the designated time. Track access permitting, at least one coach will be present when practice begins. We ask that athletes are not left at the track alone if there are no coaches present. Athletes begin practice by running 2 laps – 1 north, and 1 south – followed by different activities that encourage stretching to warm up the muscles. General mechanics and mechanics specific to the athletes’ events are also worked performed, cool downs, stretches, and post-workout meetings.

Practices are conducted by the Head Coach and Athletic Director, with assistance from the coaching staff. Our assistant coaching staff consists of former WAC athletes (some of whom are current track athletes at their respective colleges, and track coaches from area school programs). The combined years of experience of the coaches, both on and off the track, past and current, are our assurance to you that your child/athlete is in great hands with WAC staff. We discourage parents “coaching” from the stands. If you believe there is something that your athlete should be doing, please present your concern to the head coach or AD. Please do not yell from the stands or sidelines at your child at practice or meets.

Can weather interfere with practice?

From time to time, weather (thunderstorms may be an issue as lightning strikes pose a danger to anyone outside at the time. The rain itself will not interfere with practice. We will practice in the rain barring lightning in the area. If thunder and lightning is heard or seen within a 6 to 10-mile radius, practice will be halted, and everyone will be told to wait in their vehicles. There must be at least 30 minutes between lightning strikes. If lightning strikes 2 times within 30 minutes, practice will be called, and all athletes are sent home. It is important, parents, that you do not leave your child at the track without a secondary ride home, especially when there is a potential for poor weather.

In which age group is my athlete?

The age groups for USATF are as follows: 5-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16 and 17-18. AAU age groups are 6 & under, 7-8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15-16, 17-18. An athlete’s age group is not necessarily based on their current age but their age at the end of this calendar year. For instance, if they are 14 currently but will turn 15 this year by December 31st, the athlete will be in the 15-16 age division. Athletes who are still 18 on the final day of the National Meet are eligible to compete as a young woman/man.

How do track and field meets work?

Most track meets events start with the youngest age group first, along with the girl’s division, then move up to the oldest age division, finishing with boys. There may be variances relative to schedules which are dependent upon the location and facilities. Running events are 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m; hurdle events are 80m, 100m, 110m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m relay, and 4x200m relay. Some meets also have events for Steeplechase and Race Walk, 1500m and 3000m. Field events consist of Pole Vault, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin, and Hammer Throw. Field events generally begin ahead of the running events, and continue concurrently to same until complete. These events are not listed in the order that they will occur at a track meet. You will be informed a few days before the meet in which events your athlete will compete. Athlete registration for meets will be handled by the team administration.

Track meets typically start at 9am and end around 4pm. The length of time that you will be at the meet will depend on the events in which your athlete will compete. Athletes 12 and under compete in 3 events, and 13 and up compete in 4 events. While competing athletes get into the track meet for free, other attendees are required to pay the entrance fee which also varies depending on location.

Will there be a coach at every track meet?

The A.D., Head Coach and at least 2 Assistant Coaches are present at each meet. They can usually be found seated in the stands near the finish line. The A.D. and Assistant Coaches do their best to keep all athletes and parents informed of the events that are announced via the InstaTeam app. However, if families are seated away from the bleachers, it is the responsibility of the parents and athletes to listen for their respective event(s), complete warmups, and get to the check-in tent on time. The A.D. and Assistant Coaches will do their best to rally all of the younger athletes together to walk them to their respective events and return them to their parents afterward. Parents are welcome to volunteer to assist with gathering the little ones and taking them to their events. DO NOT ALLOW A YOUNG ATHLETE TO ROAM AROUND A MEET ALONE.

How should I prepare for a track meet?

Along with Summer track meets comes hot, humid, and wet weather. Athletes must remain as relaxed, comfortable, and hydrated as possible. Athletes should wear clothes that protect them from the elements and keep their muscles warm and unexposed to the sun, which is draining. To that end, below is a list of items that will aid in keeping not only the athlete protected, but the parent(s), as well:

✓ Sports Umbrella/ Personal Umbrella

✓ Tarp

✓ Blankets/Mats

✓ Folding Utility Cart

✓ Folding/Lawn Chairs/ Stadium Seat

✓ 10x10 Canopy Tent with or without sides for protection from the elements, mallet, stakes, and stake puller

✓ Cooler containing ice, water, Gatorade, fruit, nuts, jerky, and other track-friendly snacks

✓ Cooling Towels and towels for clean up

✓ Sunscreen & Bug Repellent

✓ Hand-held fans with batteries

✓ Paper towels/napkins/tissue

How do athletes travel to meets?

Parents are responsible for providing transportation to their athletes to and from meets. Should your athlete need transportation to and/or from a meet, a carpool can be arranged with another parent. For the safety and protection of our athletes, please be sure to inform the head coach, your athlete’s coach, and the Athletic Director if your athlete will be leaving with someone different than whom they came with.

Please feel free to speak with our Athletic Director or Head Coach for any questions that you may have that are not addressed here.