[Information]

Before you practice, you must:

• Register through the activities office or through this link: Armstrong High School

• Have passing grades in all of your classes

• Have a valid physical on file

Practice start dates:

• Captains' Practices will start on Tuesday, February 24th. We will meet in the lower locker bay. Wear warm clothes, we will be going outside.

• First day of practice is Monday, March 9th. We will meet in the Aux Gym at 3:40pm.

• Bring running shoes and water to every practice!

SHOES

All athletes will need a pair of running shoes that will be used only for training. To get the correct shoes, try on several brands and models when you shop. Choose a shoe that fits your needs and your feet. There are many places that sell running shoes, but some are better than others. A few recommended running shoe stores are:

• Gear Running Store, 4406 France Avenue South in Edina, 952-926-2645

• Fleet Feet, 2312 West 50th Street in Minneapolis, 612-920-2606

• TC Running Company, 12862 Bass Lake Rd in Maple Grove, 763-746-0378

• Gear West, 1786 W Wayzata Blvd in Long Lake, 952-473-0093

Spikes & Other Equipment

Each event has specific equipment needs. Please see your event coaches for advice on equipment for each event you participate in.

If you need to miss a practice, let a coach know ahead of time in writing. When you miss, you are still expected to complete the daily workout which is posted at the beginning of each week. Unexcused absences mean you may not run in the next meet. Being behind in your school work is not an automatic excuse, please communicate with your coaches.

Track and field meets are a unique opportunity for athletes with a wide variety of skills to compete together and celebrate successes. Meets are also an important part of our training calendar and help athletes to practice and refine their skills. You are expected to compete in meets as much as possible. While at meets, you are expected to cheer on your teammates in all events. Although we may be competing in many different events, we are one team. If you should need to leave a meet early for some reason, you must first explain the situation to a coach. If you need to get a ride home from another athlete's family from a meet, you must have a note from your legal guardian stating their approval of this. The note must state your name, the date, the name of the family giving you the ride, and your guardian's signature.

Participation on the Armstrong Track and Field team is a privilege, not a right. How you act reflects not only on yourself, but also on your team, coaches and Armstrong High School. All athletes are expected to show good sportsmanship and support their teammates in other events. Any violation of a school, team or MSHSL policy will result in the loss of your athletic award and will result in potential dismissal from the team.

Weather in Minnesota is unpredictable. During our season, the weather can vary from 20 degrees to 85 degrees, not to mention the wind chill, rain and heat index. We will practice in just about any weather conditions within MSHSL guidelines. Dressing in layers is recommended. In order to be prepared, please make sure you have the following:

• Stocking cap

• Tights or wind pants

• Long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt

• Tshirt

• Gloves or mittens

• Windbreaker or other rain resistant jacket

Do I need to know what event I want to do in track and field?

No! Coaches will help you select an event.

Should I start training before the season starts?

Yes! All athletes should start working out before the season. Building a foundation for higher intensity activities will help you reduce the risk of injury.

What time is practice?

Practices are held from 3:40pm-5:40pm, Monday through Friday, at Armstrong High School. The team will meet in the Aux Gym at 3:40pm for warm ups and announcements. Come to practice ready to work out and bring a water bottle. Saturday practices are at 9:00am and will last approximately two hours.

Is there an activities bus?

Yes, there is a bus Monday through Thursday! Maps of the routes are available in the activities office. There is NOT an activities bus on Fridays.