It’s time to lace up those sneakers!  The Saint Catharine School Cross Country teams are getting ready for the 2008 season and there is room for you at the starting line!  All students, Kindergarten through 8th grade are welcome.  We welcome volunteers so parents, please don’t be shy.  Practices will begin the week of 9/16 so make sure student physical forms have been submitted to Mrs. Kulaga, SCS school nurse.  For details, contact Dorothy Dwyer at H: 732-681-3821 or C: 732-581-6665.

ST. CATHARINE CROSS COUNTRY

The St. Catharine School Cross Country program is open to all students in grades K-8.

The mandatory registration and emergency forms must be filled out at the in-house registration.  There is a registration fee of $25.00 per student.  Students who participate in soccer may also participate in cross-country.  Meets will be held at Ocean County Park on Sunday mornings.  A practice and meet schedule will be given out at registration.  Registration forms must be returned or students will not be allowed to participate. 

Grades K-3 (Pee Wee)

Pee Wees will practice only one day per week (Thursday) immediately following school on the school playground until 3:00 PM.  Pee Wees must bring their sneakers to school and can run in their school uniforms. Pee Wees are escorted from the classroom directly onto the field.  Only students registered for Pee Wee cross-country will be allowed to practice at that time.   Weekly attendance will be monitored.  Pee Wees who ride a bicycle or walk home after practice must have a written note.  If a student cannot attend a practice please send a note to the homeroom teacher and he/she will be directed to their usual car/bus line at dismissal.  Meets will take place with the rest of the team on four successive Sunday mornings. 

Grades 4-8 (Juniors and Seniors)

Practices are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30-3:30.  We will meet in the Gym immediately after school.  Students should bring running attire and sneakers and will change at the school.  Students will then proceed either to the South End Pavilion on the Spring Lake boardwalk or at the lake.  They can be picked up at the same location at 3:30 P.M.  The length of practice may vary based on sessions that include time trials and runner evaluations.  Please refer to the schedule for specific dates, times and locations. 

Late Pickups:

Any student left at practice more than ten minutes after pickup time will be escorted back to St. Catharine School and brought to the aftercare program (and a fee will be charged).  Please be considerate and be on time. 

Uniforms/Equipment:  Same as last year…WHITE / BLUE TEAM SHIRT!!!

ALL runners will be required to wear the SCS Cross Country Team shirt.  It must be worn to all meets including the NJ Grammar School Cross Country Championship at Allaire. Royal blue shorts recommended.  Proper running shoes should be worn to all meets and practices. All students should bring a water bottle to practice.  Absolutely NO JEWELERY can be worn during a race or the runner will be disqualified.  PARENTS: PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS TO THE PARK!  THIS IS A LEAGUE REQUEST!   

The New Jersey Cross Country Championship and the Allaire 5K

This race takes place on Sunday, Oct. 5th at Allaire State Park.  Every registered SCS team member will be automatically entered in this race.  A commemorative T-shirt may be purchased for $5.00; this must be indicated on the registration form and included along with the registration fee.  The proceeds from this event pay for the majority of the costs of the athletic program at St. Catharine School.  Additional applications will be sent home for family or friends who wish to run. 

ATTENTION ALL CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS AND THEIR PARENTS!

SAME REGISTRATION PROCEDURE AS LAST YEAR!

WE ARE IN NEED OF PEE WEE VOLUNTEER COACHES IMMEDIATELY!  PLEASE CONTACT DOROTHY DWYER IF INTERESTED.