Due to a large response registration is now closed. We hope you will make plans to run with us next year. Join the text chain below to stay updated.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
All middle and high school CSTHEA athletes are now required to complete a physical prior to participation. You must download and print the form below. It must be completed by a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathics, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant. Completed forms must be turned in at the parent meeting or first practice.
May 27: At home summer conditioning began. See information above, calendar included.
July 1: Registration opens. Use link above.
July 9 @ 5-7:30pm (approximate): Team fitting night at Fast Break. Need a new pair of running shoes and/or spikes to start the season? Everyone (new & returning runners) are invited to join us for a time when the extremely knowledgable FB staff will be dedicated to helping our team. A 20% discount will be given on trainers and a 30% discount on spikes. Following the fitting, returning runners only are invited to join us for a group run. We will leave Fast Break on foot and head toward the Stringers Ridge Spears Ave trailhead (.5 mi from FB). We will run the 3.3 mile Blue Trail and then return to FB by approximately 7:30pm. If you are an incoming freshman or new to our team, please contact Coach directly to determine if this run would be a good fit for you. ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE RUN MUST HAVE COMPLETED THEIR 2024 TEAMSNAP REGISTRATION PRIOR TO THE RUN DUE TO LIABILITY REASONS.
We strongly encourage all team members (new & returning) to participate in the pre-season Group Runs listed below as a complement to your summer conditioning. All participants must have completed their 2024 Teamsnap registration prior to participation due to liability reasons.
July 22, 6pm: Greenway Farms, Mandatory Parent/Athlete Pre-season meeting followed by Group Run
July 29: 1st Practice, 6-7:45pm @ Greenway Farms
Athlete Responsibility
The high school team is a competitive team. If you are looking for a running club, social outlet or P.E. credit, this is not the team for you. The assumption will be made that each runner is participating by their own choice. Hard work and dedication is expected. The average team member will run 25-35 miles per week. Each team member is expected to participate in independent summer conditioning at home throughout the summer. See Summer Conditioning document above. Please discuss seriously with your student whether they are ready to commit to this before registering. Additionally, it is not conducive for runners to compete on other sports teams during the cross country season.
In addition, CSTHEA student athletes are required to agree to the Statement of Faith & Code of Conduct. Each athlete will be upheld to a high standard of character and integrity. Coarse joking, inappropriate language, gossip, dishonesty, disrespect, bullying, sexual misconduct and defiance will not be tolerated.
Practice Information
High School team practices are held Monday and Thursday evenings at Greenway Farms. Long runs are held Saturday mornings at various locations (Greenway Farms, Enterprise South, Ruby Falls, etc). As with any other sports team (basketball, soccer, etc.) siblings or other non-team members are not permitted to participate in practices. If you need to drop your runner off at practice you will need to designate, and communicate to your child, another parent to be responsible for your child in the event of inclement weather, injury, etc. Team members are also required to run 3 days at home outside of scheduled team practices according to the workout schedule.
Season Schedule
Cross country season is longer than many sports seasons so please consider that before registering. The entire season is about 15 weeks long running from July 29 - November 9. The first race will be held in late August. The team will participate in 6-8 races including in-town weekday and Saturday races as well as out of town races in locations such as Knoxville, Nashville, Cookeville and Dayton. The season culminates with an overnight option at Fort Bluff for the NACA Championship.
Gear Required
Watch: All runners are required to wear a watch with a stopwatch feature at every practice.
Shoes: Well-fitting, running shoes in good condition are required. We recommend the following brands: Altra, Brooks, Nike. We strongly advise you visit Fast Break, Front Runner or Fleet Feet for a fitting and to purchase appropriate shoes. These shoes typically cost $90-130. It is well worth the investment to protect your student athlete from injury. Shoes which are worn out, too small or not designed for running are not permitted and can lead to injury. Some athletes like to use XC spikes for races. These are not required but can be helpful. We have a lending library of spikes in various sizes which you may borrow for the season for a small contribution.
Athletic clothing: It may go without saying but athletic shirts, shorts and socks are expected. Young ladies need appropriate undergarments (sports bra). As the weather gets cooler, your runner will likely need a pair of thin running gloves and breathable beanie cap. Hats and sunglasses may be worn for practice but typically cannot be worn in races.
Cost
Participant cost is $130 per runner which includes uniform and race registrations. Reduced cost for returning runners not needing uniforms is available. Additional cost: our final race, NACA, includes a sleepover option at Fort Bluff Camp which costs approximately $65 per runner. In addition, all athletes must have an up to date association membership: Join CSTHEA.
Coaches
Andrew and Robin Scharff are the volunteer head coaches for Patriots Running. This will be their 8th year coaching the Patriots. Andrew has many years of XC/Track experience both as a participant and coach through the collegiate level. Robin enjoys crossing all the t's and dotting all the i's. They are both are active in their own running pursuits, completing races from 5k's to the IRONMAN 70.3. Their children are rising 11th, 10th, 9th and 4th graders all participating in the program. They appreciate your patience as they keep all the plates spinning - or laces tied, as the case may be!