Building Champions

Crater Cross Country has become one of the premier distance programs in our Conference, our State, and now the Nation. Ranking 5th and 14th Nationally in the last three years. With 8 Conference Team titles and 5 State Team titles in the last 4 years, we have proven that our team is a powerhouse program. This will be an experience you will never forget!

There is an old saying that goes,"The proof is in the pudding." 
Essencially this means, results are what count.

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2010 Cross Country
Season Calendar

Crater XC Top Ten

Click on each photo icon to view the album

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Parent Guide

What is Cross Country?
Long distance running - a team sport. Not held on a fixed track like track and field. Athletes usually race across open terrain: golf courses, steeplechase courses; most often through a combination of woods, fields and always a hill or two, or three, etc.  Course distances and terrains differ for each race. There are no national, world or Olympic records for this sport. 

What Distances are normally run?
The National Federation of High School Associations has set a minimum distance of 2.5K and a maximum of 5K for cross country races, not to be confused with training distances which can be greater. Most of our races will be 5Ks ( that's approx. 3.1 miles, American).

Scoring 
Cross country scoring is different from most sports, that is, the lowest score wins. A cross country team usually consists of seven athletes. As each athlete finishes the race, he/she is given a place while in the chutes. . The places of the first five athletes for each team are added together to determine the team score. In the event of a tie, the sixth athlete's places are added to determine the winner. It is important for the team to run as close together as possible. For example, a finish of 1, 3, 4, 5 and 83 - a score of 97, will lose to a team finishing 17, 18, 19, 21, 23 - with a score of 96.

Training 
Practice sessions are usually scheduled at school after dismissal from classes. Check the schedule provided for specific details. Practice runs are comprised of conditioning drills and runs of different distances through neighborhoods, trails or parks near the school. Training is always supervised by the Cross Country Coaching Staff, and assisted by upper classmen. If an athlete has not been training on a regular basis, (s)he will probably experience muscle soreness and various aches and pains. Summer base training is essential to a successful fall cross country season.

Nutrition  
There are two main things to remember, WATER, and lots of it, and foods which are easy to digest, primarily carbohydrates. Experienced athletes often speak of carbo loading prior to a race, with foods such as pasta.  With a race distance of only 5 k, this is not actually necessary

Cross Country Meets  
Cross country meets are normally scheduled after school and on Saturday. Meets may last a few hours or all day, depending on the organization and number of entries. Please check the schedule provided for specific meet locations and times. Races are usually divided by age groups or divisions:

                     V Boys - Varsity Boys - Top 7 runners
                     V Girls - Varsity Girls - Top 7 runners
                     JV Boys - Junior Varsity Boys - Unlimited
                     JV Girls - Junior Varsity Girls - Unlimited

Transportation to and from meets will be provided in most instances. Cross Country is not the typical spectator sport because you cannot see the entire race from one location. Spend a few minutes prior to the start of the race to pick your "spot" and remember, cheering for Summit athletes is required!

Pre-Race Preparations  
Make sure your athlete rests prior to race day. Coaches will provide more specific instructions. Make sure your athlete eats properly. Light, easy to digest foods. Small portions. Hydrate with water. No milk, carbonated or acidic liquids. Once at the meet, let your athlete go! It is an important time for him to prepare mentally and physically with the team.

Post-Race Preparations  
The first time you see your athlete after a race may be frightening. They have rubber legs, some are panting and gasping for air, their faces may be red and their eyes glassy. They may be nauseated and appear as if they may faint. These symptoms usually pass quickly. Trained medical personnel are on site at most meets and are available for assistance. Be prepared to assist runners through the finish line chutes. They have exerted a lot of energy and may be ready to collapse. Keep them walking!  Give the athletes space! They are not ready to talk yet. They have responsibilities to the team and the coaching staff. They must complete their cool down routines. When they are ready to talk, they will come to you.

Definitions:
PR - Personal record. A record set by each athlete on a timed course. The goal is to continually improve a PR.
Chute - The roped off area at the finish line through which the athletes are directed in order to get their place cards.
Place - Where the athlete finished the race relative to all of the other athletes.
Position - Where the athlete finished the race relative to the other athletes on his team.
Invitational - A cross country meet where multiple teams participate.

Printable Version

Crater Cross Country
Info Sheet

Team Expectations

• Support one another everyday
• Positive Attitude
• Train Hard and Consistent
• Practice on time everyday

Rules/Procedures

• Daily practice 3:45 – 6:00(once school Starts)
• Show up on time – must practice in order to compete
• Prearrange any missed practices with coach
• No smoking, drinking, drugs, parties
• No offensive language
• Dress Appropriately
• Be a Student-Athlete.  You education is #1
• Senior athletes that practice and compete for a complete season are eligible for a letter.
• Letter Policy: Run in (3) Varsity races or run Sub 18:30 for men/ Sub 22:00 for  women

Crater Cross Country Alumni Currently Running in College

Amanda Dalton           Southern Oregon University
Kade Jensen                Utah State University
Josh Elliott                  Western Oregon University
Arianne Laferriere     Eastern Oregon University
James Croft                 Western Oregon University
Zach Elliott                  Southern Oregon University
Nick Walker                Southern Oregon University
Anya Martinez             Southern Oregon University
Silver Siebert              Southern Oregon University
Jerrod Pucket              Southern Oregon University
Kayleigh Tyerman      California Polytechnic State University
Grace Gamble             Corban University
Emily Olsen                 Oregon State University
Riley Swanson            Northwest Christian University
Laurie Stoutenburgh  Southern Oregon University
Jake Keyser                Colorado State University
Kristen Haga               Southern Oregon University

*This is a current list of athletes from the Crater Cross Country Team competing at the collegiate level.  If there is a change/add to this list, please notify this site

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