VDM Cross Country Team
Are You Ready For The Sport of Cross Country?
The Sport of Cross Country is a competitive team sport offered in the fall of the year for girls and boys, usually in grades 7 through 12. Teams consist of five or more runners who all race together simultaneously against the other teams. The top five finishers from each team are used for scoring, and their finishing places are totaled to see which team wins. The lowest score wins. High school races are usually 3.1 miles long, and junior high races are usually 2 miles long. The courses often occur at public parks or golf courses, and parents can attend and cheer them on from anywhere. The great thing about cross country at this level is that everyone who tries out for the sport generally gets to compete. Even though the first 5 runners to finish are considered the “scoring team”, everyone still gets to run and try to contribute to the team’s scoring. In most school districts, there are no cuts and no bench to sit on and watch while others play!
The philosophy is simple: Have fun, train hard, and race well.
STARTS: Monday, August 11
SIGN-UP: Students MUST enroll in the YMCA Program to participate. See the steps on the back for the online application. Choose the Innovación Expanded Learning Opportunity Classes (ELO) option. Once applied online, you will later be contacted to set up an appointment to sign the attendance paperwork. After all forms have been signed, families will be able to choose an activity and will later be sent a confirmation email regarding the students' first day. Athletes will sign in/out with the YMCA. Turn in Waiver to Coaches.
Practice Days: Monday to Thursday
Time: 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Bring: Running clothes, good running shoes, sunscreen, water, hat
Races/Meets: 5 (TBD at various Sweetwater high schools on Saturdays, 2 miles)
Race Uniform check out with Coach Scarlett.
Coaches: Mrs. Kempi-Scarlett, Room 405, and Mrs. Watson, Room 202
*You may leave a bag of clothes to change into with extra water and sunscreen in the school office before school or with Coach Scarlett. After school, check in with the YMCA, change in the locker rooms, eat a snack, and start stretching. Students will stay with the Y Supervisor until 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., we will warm up and run either to high school, run down Palm & through OVHS firetrail, or towards the DMV. Then, cool down, stretch, and do arm/core exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, planks). If too hot, we will be inside the classroom.
YMCA ELO 2025-2026
Steps to Sign Up for VDM Running Programs
- Use the link or QR code below to complete the interest form: https://forms.office.com/r/PuQvgunLG6 and select the “Innovación Expanded Learning Classes (ELO)” for After-School Sports: Cross Country (Fall), Running Club (Year-Long), Track & Field (Spring)
- Once you’ve completed the interest forms, the YMCA will contact you to confirm your YMCA ELO and to register for the after-school team.
- Please email: sysd-enrollment@ymcasd.org if you have any questions.
- Complete the Cross Country/Running Club/Track Waiver forms and return to Coach Kempi in room 405. ALL athletes need to have this form turned in.
