The start of the 2012 season is approaching quickly, and if you want to be part of Saline Cross Country as a new or returning runner, this page is the place to start. Below you will find step by step instructions for signing-up, many helpful links, and answers to a few common questions.
If you still need information, don't hesitate to contact the captains or Coach Spina. While our program is very successful, I am always excited to welcome new runners and I hope you’ll join us for the fall of 2012.
Sincerely,
Coach Spina
spinac @ saline.k12.mi.us
Summer Conditioning, Team Events, & Races Calendar
Find out about upcoming team events, summer conditioning, and races.
Directions to Races & Time Schedules for Meets
See our competitive schedule, along with information about summer road races and some team events.
New Runner Booklet (pdf)
An introduction to the program for new athletes and anyone considering joining Saline Cross Country for the first time.
Team Rules (pdf)
Rules and expectations for attendance at practice, team events, and competitions
2011 Season Summary Booklet (pdf)
This booklet is a summary of the 2011 season, and will give you an idea of what to expect in your first season. Look for names you may recognize and realize that you don't have to be good to be important.
FAQ
I already signed up or signed up last year. Do I have to do this again?
Yes. All runners, new and returning need to complete the team database information AND Saline Athletic Department online form. The team database and athletic department online form will replace ALMOST ALL of the paper forms you used to have to submit. The only paper form you will submit will be your physical, which should be given directly to the trainer. Your physical must be dated AFTER April 15, 2012.
Why should I run cross country?
There are countless different reasons to join the program, but most athletes join for one of the following. Some join the program because they immediately felt welcomed by the team and made a lot of friends. Others join cross country because they know we have a very successful program; Saline finished the last decade as the 7th best program in all of Michigan. Finally, many join cross country because they quickly realize that we recognize the achievements of all runners and that regardless of ability, every athlete is an important part of our program.
I’m not sure if I want to run cross country or do another sport. What should I do?
Summer conditioning is valuable for every type of athlete, so whether you end up playing soccer, football, or running cross country, our summer workouts will help you out. Plus, during summer conditioning you’ll get an opportunity to meet the team, coaches, and captains. Over a few weeks you’ll see if cross country is right for you and how you fit into our team. Summer conditioning is open to all types of athletes and, in the past, we’ve had a few soccer players show up on a regular basis.
I can’t run that far! Are you crazy?
Running may seem very difficult at first, but your body will quickly adapt to training. After a few weeks, a five mile run will be an “easy day” and you’ll laugh at the mile “run” you have to do in PE. We’ll start you out with whatever mileage you can handle and you may start running just two or three miles a day.
What is Summer Conditioning?
Summer conditioning is a training program that is ran along with the girls’ cross country team. We meet Monday thru Thursday at 8:30AM (the exact location can be found on the team's calendar) to train. Every day we will work on form, conditioning, and strength, which are three components that will help you in any sport. We always have workouts of varying difficulty, and whether you have never run or you have put in 600 miles this winter, we’ll have training runs ready for you.
Does Cross Country make Cuts?
The cross country team can welcome an unlimited number of athletes, but all athletes must be able to meet minimum time standards. In 2012, all runners will complete a two mile time trial on the track. In order to be on the team, an athlete must be able to run those two miles in under 15:30. If making that standard may be difficult for you, that is even more reason to come to conditioning early in the summer. Regardless of where you are at the start of the summer, I am confident that with proper and regular training in June, July and early August, you will be able to make that standard easily.
If I need more information, who can I contact?
A great first resource is the team web site at www.salinecrosscountry.org. If that does not work for you, feel free to contact the coaches or captains. You can email Coach Spina at spinac@saline.k12.mi.us or you can contact the Captains. Email addresses for the captains can be found online under “The Team” link.
