MHSXC 2K15 - Week 8

Update - 10/2/15

Friday

Parade - 

If you plan to walk in the parade, please meet at MMS by 4:15.  The parade begins at 5:00.  

If you plan to attend the football game, please dress warmly.  

Saturday

Weather forecast has improved.  

Looks like 50 degrees and breezy at race time.  

If you plan to wear clothes under your uniform, please make sure it's solid black.  

It's always nice to have spare spikes.  Usually, 1/4" to 3/8" work on the courses we race.  When conditions are extremely muddy and/ or  your shoes are cross country specific, with recessed holes, 1/2" may be appropriate.

Update - 9/30/15

Team Pictures - 

Today's bus is 85 and will drop at the trading post for pics.  We'll then load all gear and belongings in my car and you will run to Munson for your warm up.  Drivers will drive themselves to Munson and jog back towards the others.

Practice will end by 5:00 at Munson.  

Jamboree 2

Yesterday was awesome.  We knew times would be slow (so if you PR'd, great job!!!) and that the focus would be on racing and staying tough.  Mission accomplished!!!

I'm super proud of your efforts and toughness.  The girls remain locked in to 3rd place, but improved greatly from Jamboree 1.  The boys now share the lead with Saline.  

Saturday is a goal race. The expectation is to run fast! This course is fast!!! The weather will be cool and breezy , but the course is well protected.  The competition will be top notch.  

It's October and that means fast times!!!  Can't wait to watch the PRs roll in.  Food court is over, so for the rest of the week, be an athlete.  Eat well, stay hydrated, get the sleep your body needs.  

Jamboree 2 - MHS results with improvements

Monroe High School Girls Varsity Cross Country finishes 3rd place

Monroe High School Boys Varsity Cross Country finishes 2nd place

Athletic.net full results

Saturday - Coaching Legends 

• Line up
• Course Map
• Lots of information here
• Depart MHS at 9:00 AM - Depart Huron Meadows for home - 2:45 PM
• Return to Monroe by 4:00 PM
• If you need to leave early with a parent, please have a letter to Dr. Ray by Thursday.  
• Please bring me a copy
• Team Notes: Women’s Gold Division Varsity Race (largest schools) 12:20 PM Men’s Gold Division Varsity Race (largest schools) 12:50 PM Women’s Junior Varsity Race #2 (Gold Division) 1:20 PM Men’s Junior Varsity Race #2 (Gold Division) 1:50 PM
• Please ask athletes not to crinkle or mutilate their bibs. 
  They have a bar scan code / reader on them and crinkling them can cause errors.
  
  
• The J.V. races will be HUGE!
  NO GUARANTEE WE WILL GET ALL THE JV TIMES CORRECT… all it takes is one runner to duck out of the chute and all the times are then off.  We will do our best to get times but YOU SHOULD
  INFORM YOUR RUNNERS TO WEAR WATCHES AND START THEM WHEN THE RACE STARTS AND STOP THEM WHEN THEY CROSS THE FINISH.  THIS WILL ENSURE THAT NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, THEY WILL KNOW THEIR TIMES!
• T-SHIRTS:  Please inform your athletes we will have a nice selection of different cross country t-shirts, hoodies, crew neck sweatshirts, for sale. 
  All T-shirts are high quality and fairly priced.
  We will also have a limited number of LEGENDS meet shirts on sale.
• PARKING AND TRAFFIC ISSUES IN AND AROUND THE PARK!
  There is an admission fee of $7.00 to get in the park unless you have a Metro Park Sticker.
  HAVING EXACT CHANGE HELPS SPEED UP THE ENTRY TO THE PARK PROCESS!
  (School buses with state tags are exempt).  You will be directed by park officials as to where to park.  Be prepared to walk a bit and allow ample time for this to happen.
  There are ALWAYS issues on US 23 and in this area so again, allow ample time.
  Please inform your parents of these issues!  
  THERE WILL BE TRAFFIC CONGESTION!  Plan accordingly and leave on time. 
  It will not be a good day to be late. 
• More on Parking 

Picnic

• In an effort to leave as early as possible, instead of a picnic, we will have sack lunches.  

9/27/15

Recap - 

This past week brought our final V02max workout and as we close out September, our fitness is out-shined only by our potential.  As reported earlier, Monday & Tuesday went splendidly.  

When I declare a workout as the priority running for the week, I know it sounds strange to some, but there's always a reason; a method to the madness, so to speak.  As most of you know, I would have preferred to take the weekend off and to have missed Jefferson.  Still, I'm glad we honored our commitment to attend the meet and excited for those of you who performed well.  However, for me, the most exciting part of the week goes back to the workout.  My confidence is brimming as we enter October. (Yours should be too ;) Minus the runny noses and colds, September was picture perfect.  

Jefferson - 

With Bitzer leading and our top 6 coming through the mile together, the boys executed the race plan perfectly.  I want to keep the focus on the team effort, but I'd be remiss to not single out Anthony's performance.  The plan was to run 5:30, 5:20 (10:50), 5:20 / 5:52 (16:42). He went 5:30, 10:50, 16:41!  Great job.  The boys moved fantastically well after the mile. With Curtis out, Chad stepped up as our fifth man, passing 6 in the final 400!  

Matthew improved :58 over last year's Jefferson meet, while Cameron and Neil improved 1:17 and 1:12 respectively. Jake Maas ran a :14 PR!  In the JV race Garrett continued to improve, dropping 1:09 from his previous season best and Chase lowered his PR by 3:22!!!

Team Champions

Medalists - Anthony Wohlfeil, Noah Dawn, Matthew Parran, Cameron Bitzer, Chad McCarthy

With #6 Brighton scoring a perfect 15, the girls' race was a bit more competitive .  Our girls started off well, following the plan.  At the mile LaPrad and Thornton were together and our next 4 were within 3 seconds of one another.  Not sure if the wind posed more of a challenge for the girls, or the "team cold" was too much of a struggle to overcome, but the cut-down didn't happen.  The girls will rest up and be ready for Tuesday!

Senior captain, Madyson Farris ran a life time best of 22:54, dropping 26 seconds.  Natalie Maas tied her PR and dropped 1:30 from last year's meet.  After falling and hitting her head, Allison Rathbun recovered to improve her Jefferson best by 2:43!!! Other awesome improvements came from Towalski (Jefferson :40 / SB :43), Richardson (PR 1:21), Mydloski (Jefferson 1:33), Vega (SB 3:58), Lake (SB 1:40), Clouse (SB :15), Shroyer (PR :43), Tayler (SB :28), and Manaci (PR 1:32).

Medalists - KC Thornton, Elisabeth LaPrad, Sidney Towalski, Natalie Maas

Full Results

MHSXC with splits and improvements 

Now we shift gears.  

First things first, Tuesday is the priority for this coming week.  The boys seek to stay in first place in the SEC red, while the girls look to hold on to third and close the gap on Saline and Pioneer.  Our best running is yet to come and from this point forward that running must occur in our races.  The hard training is over.  Your best efforts must now be saved for your races.  We'll continue to work on speed and lactate threshold, but the hard interval stuff is done.  This is the fun phase.  Phase 4 marks the beginning of a long taper that ends at the MIS.  

• Sunday - 8:00am at the YMCA - easy run
• all girls should take the day off or run a very short shake out jog and stretch
• lots of fluids 
• lots of rest
• Monday - Possible trip for top 7 to Bedford's course
• All else - Practice at Munson from 2:45 - 5:00
• Easy / Trails + strides
• Tuesday - SEC Jamboree #2
• Indian Creek Park  - Douglas Road, Temperance, MI
• No early release
• Please be dressed, hydrated, and on the bus by 2:25!!!
• Girls Varsity - 4:30 PM

Thornton

LaPrad

Towalski

N Maas

Malik

Rathbun

Green

Bolton

Farris

Richardson

• Boys Varsity - 5:00 PM

Wohlfeil

Dawn

Parran

Jewell

Bitzer

McCarthy

Jenkins

Harvell

J Maas

N Antrassian

• Girls JV - 5:30 PM
• Boys JV - 6:10 PM
• Wednesday - 2:45 at Trading Post - Team Pictures
• envelopes sent home on Monday
• Practice at Munson 3:30 - 5:00
• Thursday - Practice at Munson 2:45 - 5:00
• Friday -  - Aqua Jogging @ MHS - 5:59am - 6:50am 
• @ MHS Track 2:30 - 3:30 / 4:30 (everyone is invited to morning aqua jogging - required for varsity - those who choose not to aqua jog will run easy after school)
• Optional ice bath 3:30 - 4:00
• Saturday - Coaching Legends 
• Depart MHS at 9:00 AM - Depart Huron Meadows for home - 2:45 PM
• Return to Monroe by 4:00 PM
• If you need to leave early with a parent, please have a letter to Dr. Ray by Thursday.  
• Please bring me a copy
• Team Notes: Women’s Gold Division Varsity Race (largest schools) 12:20 PM Men’s Gold Division Varsity Race (largest schools) 12:50 PM Women’s Junior Varsity Race #2 (Gold Division) 1:20 PM Men’s Junior Varsity Race #2 (Gold Division) 1:50 PM
• Updates to come - 
• Parking is always a bit tricky here.  
• Parents, plan to arrive early
• In an effort to leave as early as possible, instead of a picnic, we will have sack lunches.  

Parents - Bork Classic

Parents - 

The Dave Bork Classic is right around the corner.  Please take a look at the following links.  We need your help to run a great meet.  Not only will we honor Coach Bork, but this year we will pay tribute to Sean Brady.  

Sean Brady Memorial 5K and 1 mile fun run / walk

Current Work Assignments / Parent Volunteers - 9/21/15

Online sign up

MHSXC 2K15 - Week 7

WHY DO YOU RUN?

You've probably been asked that question before. It's not an easy question to answer, is it? If someone has to ask, they'll probably never understand.  If you have to ask, you just don't get it. And you probably won't get it. 

But you get it, don't you? You would never ask someone: Why do you run? (Except maybe rhetorically.)

Nevertheless, even you who "get it" sometimes wish to escape it for something more “fun”.  But in your heart you know there is nothing more fun than challenging yourself…there’s nothing better than learning what your limits are and pushing past them.   
          From running, you gain strategies for extending those limitations that you might run farther, run faster, and run tougher.
          You learn that personal responsibility... commitment... sacrifice... determination... and persistence are the only means of improvement.
          Running, you come to understand, is a profound, far-reaching and never ending contest of the runner with herself.   You learn that runners only get promoted through self-conquest. 
          Running asks a question of you, and everyday it's the same question: "Are you going to be a wimp, or are you going to be strong today?"
          And when you answer that question in the way that you have answered it, you become better... stronger... more confident ... with a capacity for achievement greater than before, and a formula for success that is forever engraved on your brain.

Jay Johnson

MSU Recap

I can't decide on my favorite part of Friday, but I'm pretty sure it was the bus ride home!

Seriously though, what a great day!!! Although times were not as fast as usual in the later races, MHSXC continued to show great improvement. Heavy rains and 10 races (12 for our boys) prior to the green division varsity races turned the usually quick course at Forest Acres East into a soft and spongy mess.   

Girls

The girls improved from 22nd place in 2014 to 5th on Friday.  With Lydia and Sidney struggling a bit, Allison and Natalie really stepped up.  Ellie looked stronger than the first Jamboree,  KC continued to find her way running the 5K distance and Autumn ran another solid, early-season race. Great TEAM effort!!! Keeping the Regional meet on the radar, we finished 32 points behind Wyandotte and 396 ahead of Woodhaven.  This week is our last in phase 3.  You're fit and strong, but we have few things to figure in the next few weeks.  The phase 4 rest will do you good.  October brings great racing!!!  I can't wait to see what we can do when all 7 of you have a great day on the same day!

Congratulations to Rylee Richardson on another PR!

More below:

Monroe Results with splits

Full results

Monroe High School Girls Varsity Cross Country finishes 5th place

Girls Race Video

Boys

Speaking of team effort, the top 7 boys put together a fine race.  Following the race plan, the top 5 went through the mile close together.  Cameron really gave it his all, but came up a bit short in the end. We had a nice conversation this morning and he's already excited to have another shot at sticking with Matthew and Curtis.  Curtis ran another PR and showed great resiliency in the last mile. Noah & Matthew ran solid races from start to finish, while Chad and Logan gained valuable big race experience.  To understand Anthony's effort, one would have had to have witnessed his finish.  With amazing competitiveness and resolve, he crossed the finish line after collapsing 3 times in the last 50 meters.  Besides scaring the daylights out of his mother, he gave me an inspirational story to share for years to come.  FINISH!!!

Congrats to Jake Maas on another PR!

Monroe High School Boys Varsity Cross Country finishes 3rd place

Boys Race Video

This week 

• Monday - Top 8 boys - practice after school at MHS Track - Intervals
• All else at Munson for an easy run.  
• Practice from 2:45 - 5:00
• Tuesday - Top 9 girls - practice after school at MHS Track - Intervals
• All else at Munson
• Top 8 boys - Easy Run
• All else - intervals with Coach Mydloski
• Practice from 2:45 - 5:00
• Possible Ice Bath and Weight Room to follow
• Wednesday - Easy Run - Meet at Munson by 2:45 - possible trip to Sterling State Park to run Saturday's course- TBA
• Practice from 2:45 - 5:00
• Thursday - practice at Munson - 2:45 - 5:00 - Tempo
• Possible Ice Bath and Weight Room to follow
•  Friday - Aqua Jogging @ MHS - 5:59am - 6:50am 
• @ MHS Track 2:30 - 3:30 / 4:30 (everyone is invited to morning aqua jogging - required for varsity - those who choose not to aqua jog will run easy after school)
• Optional ice bath 3:30 - 4:00
• Saturday - Jefferson Invitational

TIME SCHEDULE

9:00    Division 1 schools Girls                                                                         12:35    JV Race - Boys

9:30    Division 2 schools Girls                                                                                    1:10    HS Awards Ceremony

10:00    Division 3&4 schools Girls                                                                             1:30    Junior High Girls

10:30    Division 1 schools Boys                                                                                  1:55    Junior High Boys

11:00     Division 2 schools Boys                                                                                 2:20    K-6 Girls

11:30    Division 3&4 schools Boys                                                                             2:40    K-6 Boys

12:00    JV Race - Girls                                                                                           3:00    Jr. High Awards Ceremony    

Team Notes: No Bus - Arrange car pools early. Vehicles with out the Recreation Passport will be charged $11 for a day pass. Top 10 Varsity Girls - Arrive by 7:45 AM Everyone Else - Arrive by 8:45 AM

AWARDS

-Team trophies will be awarded to the first three (3) teams in each varsity race.

-Also team scores will be kept in the middle school divisions and a trophy will be awarded to the 1st place team and a plaque to the 2nd place team of the boys and girls middle school races.  

-Individual medals will be awarded to the first thirty (30) places in each varsity race. The top three will be large Olympic style.

-Medals will be awarded to the top 20 girls and top 20 boys in the Junior Hi race.

-Ribbons will be awarded to the next 50 places. 

- Ribbons will also be awarded in each K-6 race.

PARKING

-IMPORTANT School buses you need to make sure your school has at least one bus with the new ST. PARK REGISTRATION TO GET IN FOR FREE.  IF A CAR OR BUS DOES NOT HAVE THIS REGISTRATION, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $11 FOR ENTRY

Love the Sport

In the mid 90's, on my EMU dorm room door, hung a Frank Shorter Running Gear ad that read, "You don't do it for the applause."  It was a great daily reminder.  This season, I'm again reminded of the sentiment.  

I mean, if a medal / award, or the thought of a positive Monroe Evening News article, is the only thing that gets one out the door to train, something is wrong.  The inspiration to train, race, and sacrifice the way you do, must come from the love of our sport and the love of our team.  To struggle through the month of September and never give in, you must love what you're doing; you have to want nothing more than to find your limits and to smash through them in order to help your team.  It's the one way to find that inner satisfaction that only you can determine.  

For the rest of the season, I challenge you to be able to say:

I'm a great teammate to great teammates; I love my team!

• Be inspired
• Expect excellence
• Communicate effectively
• Remain positive
• Do your best

MHSXC 2K14 - Week 6 - Spartan Invitational

Box Assignments
Girls V - 37
Boys V - 35
Girls & Boys JV - There are NO BOX assignments for the JV races. Teams should have NO MORE than 2 athletes on the starting line with the remaining athletes filling behind those on the starting line. Officials will be watching for this and asking teams to comply.

Spartan Invitational and possible inclement weather

Hour by hour weather for MSU

WEATHER PLAN: It is our intent to provide every athlete the chance to compete in a safe environment.

*** Sever weather is currently in the forecast for tomorrow morning and again late afternoon.Please instruct your bus driver to stay on call and at the MSU Pavilion if the threat continues. If the meet is delayed for weather you will hear an announcement and an air horn. Teams will be instructed to walk to the East Side of the golf course and exit to the MSU Pavilion parking lot where your bus will be parked. When the weather is no longer a danger a member of MSU Athletics will inform all teams at the Pavilion Parking Lot.
NOTE: Teams traveling by vehicles other than buses, should proceed to the MSU Commuter Lot to your vehicle.

*** If we have a weather delay before, or during the meet, our plan to proceed in a safe manner would include
*** E-mail and post on all social media networks when the all clear has been given and teams can return to the course. (Note: There are live Twitter & Facebook feeds on the msuspartans.com Cross Country page.

https://twitter.com/msutrackfieldxc
https://www.facebook.com/MSUTF/timeline/

*** Update the schedule with adjustments being made in the following order, with a priority running all varsity races.
*** Extend the meet schedule to go later in the day (No race would start after 6:50pm)
*** Change the Junior Varsity races from a 5K to a 3200 race. (Likely to happen if any weather delay exists)
*** Combine all Middle School races into one large race with safety of the start given the priority.
*** Cancel the Junior Varsity races to allow all Varsity races to be completed.
*** Cancel the meet if it can not be run in a safe manner.

*** Note 1: This is our plan and is contingent to change.
*** Note 2: If when arriving in East Lansing the weather, or radar, look like storms are in the area. Please check your e-mail or a social media site to see if the meet is in a delay. If so, please proceed to the MSU Pavilion for further instructions: 4301 Farm Ln, East Lansing, MI 48824

If a schedule change is made, announcements will be made at Forest Akers East Golf Course and posted on the playmakers.com/spartan website. We will post links to all social media sites if adjustments to the schedule are made.


I apologize for the delay in this week's blog post.

Week 5 recap

Last week was awesome.  Starting the season with great improvement under less than ideal circumstances is a great confidence booster and confidence makes all of the difference.

FAITH + SCIENCE = CONFIDENCE

I know that some of you are struggling right now transitioning back to school and racing.  It's a lot to take on all at once and I think you're doing a great job.  Just a reminder that TDF is designed to allow our best racing to take place at the end of the season when it really matters most.  It's normal to feel tired and heavy-legged during September.  So far, our varsity athletes have met all of our workout benchmarks.  This will lead to a fantastic championship season. I'll take care of the science / workouts.  You keep taking care of one another and keep the faith.

Back to last week -- coming home dual winners at Erie Mason was awesome.  We knew we were going to be greatly improved from last year and it showed at the Frank Connolly Relays.  The girls got things started running very well in the ridiculous heat.  Winning by 24 points, our girls were the class of the field, placing our top 3 relays in the top 8 teams overall.  Great job girls.

The boys also flexed a bit of MHSXC muscle.  Knowing the true test waited on Thursday, the boys came within 2 seconds of a sweep, finishing 1, 2, 4 and winning by 29 points!!!

MHSXC 2K15 - Week 5 - Part 4 Mason Results

Girls Results
Boys Results

Overall / Team Results
MHS Results 

Monroe High School Boys Varsity Cross Country finishes 1st place 

Monroe High School Girls Varsity Cross Country finishes 1st place

SEC Jamboree 1 @ Home - 

First of all, thank you.  I didn't "take attendance", but it seemed that nearly every MHSXC athlete had a parent present for the meet.  That's so cool.  Thank you to all who volunteered.  The meet went smoothly because of your help.  

After finishing 9th out of 12 (11 without Ypsi High field a team) last year, the girls stepped up to place 3rd behind Pioneer and Saline.  There's so much room for improvement and I know most of you were a bit fatigued from Tuesday, but for our first 5k of the season, you absolutely rocked!!! We are well aware of our league and regional competition.  Continue to manage yourselves and take care of one another and we will reach our team goals.  

As the Monroe Evening News noted (see below), for the first time since joining the SEC our boys won a league jamboree.  We all know the story about Saline holding kids out, but a win is a win. They looked pretty good over the weekend, but having just one 5k under our belts, there is plenty of room for improvement.  It will be a battle.  You will be ready!!!

Monroe High School Boys Varsity Cross Country finishes 1st place

Week 6 - No Weight lifting this week!

• Sunday - Follow TDF Schedule - Voluntary group run - 7:30 AM @ YMCA
• Monday - Practice @ Munson - 2:45 - 5:00 - Tempo
• Tuesday - Practice @ Munson 2:45 - 5:00 - Interval
• Wednesday - Practice @ Munson 2:45 - 5:00 - Easy / Trails
• Thursday - Aqua Jogging @ MHS - 5:59am - 6:50am 
• @ MHS Track 2:30 - 3:30 / 4:30 (everyone is invited to morning aqua jogging - required for varsity - those who choose not to aqua jog will run easy after school)
• Optional ice bath 3:30 - 4:00
• MSU Spartan Invitational
• PDF Information
• Athletic.net Information
• http://www.playmakers.com/Spartan.aspx
• Lineup and goals - TBA
• Hypothetical Green Girls
• Hypothetical Green Boys
• Varsity based on Jambo 1 - LaPrad, Thornton, Malik, Rathbun, Towalski, Maas, Green
• Varsity based on Jambo 1 - Wohlfeil, Parran, Dawn, Jewell, Bitzer, McCarthy, Harvell

Team Notes: Excusal: after 2nd hour (9:54) Take A Lunch - Depart: 11:00AM - 3:05 PM - High School Girls JV #2 (White and Green Teams) 4:05 PM - High School Boys JV #2 (White and Green Teams) 4:35 PM - High School Girls Green Race (Division 1 & 2) 5:25 PM - High School Boys Green Race - Return around 9:00PM

• Spectators:​Spectators must park at the MSU Commuter Lot 89​on the corner of Mt. Hope and Farm Lanes and take shuttle to the Main Entrance or walk to the North Entrance on Mt Hope Road
• Spectators should proceed directly to the MSU Commuter Lot 89. Please see interactive campus map for directions: ​http://maps.msu.edu/interactive/ 
• Entrance Fee:​Students $5(does not apply to athletes in uniform) and Adults $7 
• T-Shirts:​Official MSU Spartan Invite and MSU Cross Country Merchandise will be for sale. 
• Results:​Results will be posted on www.playmakers.com/spartan 
• Photos:​Free photos of the event will be posted on www.flickr.com/playmakersfit 
• Dogs and Pets: ​Only official service dogs will be allowed, No exceptions. 
• Grills: ​Please no grills at Forest Akers Golf Course 

• Saturday - No practice - follow TDF Schedule -
• Sunday - Optional long run at YMCA - 7:30 AM

MHSXC 2K15 - Week 5 - Part 4 Mason Results

MHS Results

MHSXC 2K15 - Week 5 - Part 3 - Parents

Parents

Thanks for such an awesome summer.  You have had such a positive impact on our team and I'm incredibly grateful.  ...and now, I'll ask you for more...

SEC Jamboree volunteer assignments - This list was generated Labor Day morning.

• Thanks for signing up!  We still need help on Thursday.  Please consider volunteering. 
• We need road and chute workers.  
• To help with concessions, please contact Tara Farris.  

Volunteerism - Please consider volunteering for...

• Post meet Picnics - Contact Paula Dawn - 
• Jamboree 1 - Online sign up
• Dave Bork Classic - Online sign up 
• State Finals - MIS Car Parking - Online Sign up 

Communication / Information:

n  Coach Scoles – scoles@monroe.k12.mi.us

n  Blog - http://monroexc.blogspot.com/

n  Schedule & results - www.athletic.net

n  Facebook – www.facebook.com/monroexc

n  Twitter - https://twitter.com/MonroeHSXC

n  MHS Athletics – www.mhstrojans.com

Remind 101 - Group text messaging for athletes and parents

Athlete – To receive messages via text, text@mhsxc2k15 to 81010. 

Parent – To receive messages via text, text@mhsxcparen to 81010.

Moving Forward

Most of you turned in a signed copy of the Monroe Public Schools Parent & Athlete Handbook Acknowledgement/Contract Form.  It's a rather long document and as stated at our potluck meeting, I have chosen to no longer print hard copies.  Below you will find the excerpts that specifically apply to parents.

Monroe Public Schools Parent and Athlete Handbook

The athletic department would like to take this opportunity to share with you information about the Monroe Public Schools Athletic Department. The athletic program has several integral players: the athletes, coaches, parents, and school staff. The focus of these key players should be on what school sports are all about; the team. School sports promote the ideas of teamwork, discipline, personal sacrifice, hard work, sportsmanship, healthy lifestyle, and loyalty to school and community.

MONROE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY 

The athletic program at Monroe Public Schools is an integral component of the total educational experience and will offer your student valuable learning opportunities. It is our desire that participation in our program is an extension of what transpires in the classroom and echoes the vision and mission of our district. The opportunity to play for Monroe is a privilege and not a right, therefore we expect our athletes to behave accordingly. We will make every effort to offer the best in equipment, facilities and coaching. All athletes will abide by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, The Southeastern Michigan Conference as well as the Monroe Athlete Code of Conduct.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CORE VALUES 

Academics
Character
Commitment
Dedication
Integrity
Respect
Sportsmanship
Team

Parental Involvement in sporting events and athletics. 

Parents should practice sportsmanship as well as their student athletes. Parents need to remember the purpose of educational athletics: to train young people for life, but also to allow student athletes to have fun. Parents can be the biggest role model for student athletes when it comes to their understanding of sportsmanship; therefore, parents should exhibit the qualities of fairness, courtesy and grace in winning and defeat at home or away games and events.

The 24 Hour Rule 

This is a tool for giving "space and time" to allow discussions to occur in a fruitful environment. Parents who are upset with a child are encouraged not to discuss anything about the game, etc., for 24 hours. Twenty-four hours later it may be discussed in a calm manner, without the emotions from the day before, and many times, it just isn't as important as it seemed the day before. Lessons are still taught and learned the next day, but all involved have a better chance of doing so in a more constructive setting.

This rule also works well with parent-coach interactions. If something is bothering you about your child's status on a team, etc., give yourself 24 hours before you contact the coach (You should never contact a coach immediately after a contest). The time will give you a chance to search for different perspectives, which may provide a new way to look at the situation. Discussions with the coach will be much more productive without intense emotions.

Addressing a Concern 

Concerns that may arise will be of two types. First, your student athlete may bring a concern he/she has with the coach or team to your attention. To deal with this type of concern, the best course of action is to be a good listener, and encourage your child to figure out options and try to deal with the concern on his/her own. One of the life lessons learned from participating in athletics is how to deal with challenges. Your student athlete should be able to discuss most issues with the coach on his/her own behalf. The second type of concern may come from you as the parent. Whether you’ve been a sounding board for your student athlete’s concerns, or whether you’ve drawn conclusions on your own, you may at some point feel that you need to contact the coach directly about your child. Please keep in mind that the coach interacts with the student athletes daily and is the best person to relay information to you about what’s going on. In addition, when you ask for a meeting with a coach, it is expected that your student athlete will be a part of the meeting. Since the focus of the meeting will be centered on your student athlete, we believe that athlete needs to be present at the meeting. Getting all parties involved in the discussion will assist in coming up with a plan to address the issue. Once you have met with the coach, if you feel you need to pursue the issue further, contact the Athletic Director. At this meeting it is also expected that your student athlete be present.

SECTION II TRAVELING TO ATHLETIC EVENTS

A. Any athlete traveling to an away athletic contest as a member of a team on school owned or approved vehicles, must return to the home school on the vehicle when the contest is over. The only exception is where the athlete's parents have arranged 24 hours in advance to pick up their son/daughter after a contest.
B. Occasionally, athletes ride with adults to nearby tournaments or contests. Athletes may only ride with adults who have been approved by the Board of Education on a private transportation form.

SECTION IX SPORTSMANSHIP 

As an athlete and as parents, you can help us establish an outstanding reputation for good sportsmanship. We must all work hard in conducting ourselves in a commendable manner. A display of unsportsmanlike conduct can result in sanctions against the offending athlete, parent, and/or school. Always observe the following guidelines for good sportsmanship.
A. Be supportive of all athletes, coaches, and officials before, during, and after contests.
B. Accept decisions of officials without dispute. They are seldom responsible for your success, so do not blame them for your circumstances.
C. Recognize and show appreciation for the fine play of your opponent.
D. Be proud of our school's reputation and work hard to protect it.
E. Cheer for your team, not against the opponent.

SECTION X PARENT/COACH/STUDENT-ATHLETE RELATIONSHIP 

Both parenting and coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the others and provide greater benefit to the stude4nt. As parents, when your son or daughter becomes involved in our programs, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your student-athletes. This begins with clear communication from the coach of your student-athlete's program.

Communication you should expect from your son/daughter's coach: 

1. Locations and times of all practices and contests.
2. Team requirements, i.e.; fees, special equipment, off-season conditioning, team/individual camps.

Parent Brochure

In a nutshell, I want to be in the loop.  If your child has concerns, please encourage them to talk to me directly.  If you have concerns, please contact me to schedule a time to meet. I wish to communicate openly with all of you.  However, in the event that a serious issue needs to be addressed, communicating electronically, before or after practice, or at a meet is strongly discouraged.  

Thanks again for all you do,

Mark

MHSXC 2K14 - Week 5 - Part 2 - Students

School

School starts tomorrow and I'm inclined to remind you that athletics is an extension of the classroom. When you arrive in the morning, remember the priority in the label "student-athlete".

MONROE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY 

The athletic program at Monroe Public Schools is an integral component of the total educational experience and will offer your student valuable learning opportunities. It is our desire that participation in our program is an extension of what transpires in the classroom and echoes the vision and mission of our district. The opportunity to play for Monroe is a privilege and not a right, therefore we expect our athletes to behave accordingly.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT CORE VALUES 

Academics
Character
Commitment
Dedication
Integrity
Respect
Sportsmanship
Team
Our core values are the foundation on which the department’s goals and philosophy are built.

I want you to leave MHS having reached your high school potential and with a solid foundation for a successful life.  Sure I want you to run fast, but I'm more concerned with your ability to lead, form relationships, communicate effectively, manage your time, organize your life, accept defeat, learn from your mistakes, and remain resilient in the face of adversity.

You're surrounded by like-minded, student-athletes and coaches who want to help.  Lean on them and be ready to learn.  

Adversity

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Week four was a challenge.  How will we respond?

This past week was a blur.  With so much to do; getting the course ready, keeping up with 3 different team schedules (MHSXC, Troy High, Monroe Milers), 1 birthday party, 2 days of in-services, and a weekend packed tighter than an MHSXC camp tote, I'm ready for summer vacation.  Wait, what?

The heat was oppressive and our training suffered because of it.  Believe that it made you stronger.  It was a struggle, but struggles bring improvement.

Family

Over the weekend, I had the awesome privilege of spending time with my college coach and former teammates.  Like MHS, EMU has an incredible track & field and cross country tradition.  Bob Parks is the man behind the legacy.  If interested, you can read about him here.   His accomplishments tell an awesome story.  He reached the pinnacle of collegiate coaching, but the far more important story is this...

Hundreds of alumni gathered to pay tribute to Coach Parks and our program.  During his speech, he remarked, "This is great.  It's been a long time coming and this is just great, but none of this means anything with you all.  It's being a family that's important."

I'm blessed to have been part of the MHSXC family in the 90's as an athlete, then part of the EMU family and for the past 15 years, as the head coach of our MHSXC family.  There have been rough moments, days, and even seasons along the way.  I'm grateful that the good times eclipse the bad and I can sincerely say that I love this team and I love each and every one of you.  It's that love that gets us through the hard times.

“There are so many factors that play into getting to this point and I think it starts with a team of people who are close and that love each other and care about each other… these are my teammates and I’m doing this for them and I love them and I care about them.  That gets you through the hardest trials.” Leah O’Connor

We will live everyday by our cheer; TEAM FAMILY TROJANS. And like in any family, there will be mistakes and disagreements and hurt feelings. Likewise, it's those times when we hold fast to the truth that we are a family and we return to love as the only possible response; the only possible guide. I fervently believe that this is a team full of good people. If there's a malicious member here, I can't find him. Let's continue to work on communicating effectively: athletes, coaches, parents and all. Issues will arise and we will 
talk through them and move on.

How will we respond?  

Tomorrow, we move forward as a Team, as a Family and as Trojans.  Join me in making this a season to remember.  The PRs, medals, trophies and accolades will be fun, but let's continue to put the team first and care for one another.  In the end, that's what matters.