0. What is a practice like?
For the younger athletes we all warmup together and go through basic running mechanics. After the warmup we give everyone a choice between a throw, a couple of jumps, hurdles and sprints. We do cover every event they will see in high school besides vault as it is too dangerous for the young kids to do. We do offer for the 7th and 8th grade athletes to try though a few times during the club. We try to end each practice with a competition that is fun for the athletes and gets them moving.
For the older athletes practice we warmup as either a throws group or the sprints/jumps/hurdles group. After that we focus on technique of whatever event you want to do that day. After the technical work we have the athletes train with some sprinting/jumping/lifting on most days.
1. What if I can't make it to some or any meets?
You pay for the club. If you can't make some or all of the meets that isn't a problem. There are no team points kept so it doesn't affect our club negatively.
2. What if I am going on a vacation during the summer?
We expect you to go on vacation. Go have fun. It is the summer
3.How do you register for meets?
You will be emailed a registration document the week before each meet to sign up. The meets themselves cost around $6-8 per event depending on the meet.
4. How do athletes get to meets?
We do not provide transportation but we can offer to get you in touch with people that are going to meets to be able to get there.
5. Why is my athlete in the 17-18 age division when they are only 16 currently?
The age groups are organized by your oldest age during that calendar year. If you are turning a certain age after our season they count that as the age division you are in for that summer. We don't have any way around the age groups
6. Where can I get more information about the state, regional and Junior Olympics meet?
If you go to www.usatfillinois.org you will find information about the state meet and regional meet. The Junior Olympics meet information can be found at www.usatf.org
7. How long do meets last?
It will depend on the meet and what events you are going to compete in. The less efficient and the more events you are in the longer the meet will be. I would say on average a normal meet runs from 8am - 4pm for all of the events. If your athlete only does one or two and those are earlier events then it could be possible to only be there for 2-3 hours.
8. What is the typical order of events for a summer meet?
a. 3000m run
b. Short Hurdles
c. 100m sprint
d. 1500m race walk
e. 800m run
f. 4x100m relay
g. 400m spring
h. Long Hurdles
i. 1500m run
j. 200m sprint
k. 4x400m relay
