July 28, 2002

Dear Statebound Harrier,
It has been a great summer for running- cool and dry. Our cross country season begins on Monday, August 12th. However, you do need to register for X-C at the athletic office at the high school (4955 Peony Lane) during the next two weeks (July 29- August 6th) on weekdays between 8:00 AM & 3:00 PM. Once there, you will either drop off all of your forms (signed by both you & your parents) and the $80 fee or you and one of your parents will fill them out there. If you need to get the forms, they may be picked up at the new high school in the Athletic Office. If you have any questions, call Bill Miles at 952-932-7184.

On Monday the 12th we will begin practice at 9:00 am or at 10:00 am. We will meet on the track which is just south of the high school. In case of rain we will meet in the High School cafeteria just across the bus parking lot from the start of the wood chip trail. It is important for you to be at this first practice. If you cannot attend this practice, call Bill Miles at 952-932-7184 or leave a message for him at 763-745-6894.

This fall marks the beginning of a new era. Gone are Stephen, Taylor, Jimmy, and Mark. Their graduation has been noted and much anticipated by many other coaches and runners in the Classic Lake, Section 6, and Minnesota. However, they would be well advised to be careful what they wish for, they might just get it. I am very excited about your era. This is a positive reflection on your talent, team cohesiveness, and work ethic. Many of you have used the summer to get even better and are dreaming of going well beyond conference and section successes. All of us need to use the next two weeks to get ready for the beginning of practice. When we are on the award stand at the state meet this November, it will be because of what all of you did this summer and especially during these next two weeks. Our captains endorsed the team mission and established team goals centered around increasing team unity, staying focused, winning sections & state,& acting with class. As the season progresses, we will keep working on these. Right now, you need to arrange your schedule so that you can attend your practices & meets.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Register at High School before August 5th. Varsity runners- juniors, seniors, and all capable of breaking 5:00 in the mile are expected to be at both daily practices. Sophomores through 7th graders are expected to be at the morning practice, but are also welcome to attend the evening practice.

Monday, August 12th- Returning track or Cross Country letterwinners and seniors practice at 9:00 am. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. All others practice at 10:00 am. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. Parents’ Meeting at 6:30 pm in the High School Gym. Optional practice at 7:30 pm. Meet by Track.

Tuesday, August 13th- Practice at 9:00 am and/or 7:00 pm. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. If possible, beginning and younger runners should attend the morning practice.

Wednesday, August 14th- Practice at 9:00 am and/or 7:00 pm. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. If possible, beginning and younger runners should attend the morning practice.

Thursday, August 15th- Practice at 9:00 am and/or 7:00 pm. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. If possible, beginning and younger runners should attend the morning practice.

Friday, August 16th- Practice at 9:00 am and/or 7:00 pm. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. If possible, beginning and younger runners should attend the morning practice.

Saturday, August 17th- Alumni Meet- Report to High School Locker Room at 8:30 am. Race begins at 10:03 and cooldown will be done at 11:00 am.

Monday, August 19th -

Friday, August 23rd Practice at 9:00 am and/or 6:30 pm. Meet at High School Track Stadium entrance. If possible, beginning and younger runners should attend the morning practice. If possible, Varsity candidates should attend both practices.

Saturday, August 24th- Practice at 9:00 am. Meet at Central Middle School Baseball Field.

Monday, August 26th- Practice at 7:00 am (Optional) and 4:00 pm (Required). Meet at High School Track.

Tuesday, August 27th- Practice at 7:00 (Optional) and 11:15 (Required). Team & Individual Picture. St Cloud Invite.

Wed., August 28th- Practice at 7:00 am (Optional) and 4:00 pm (Required). Meet at High School Track.

Thursday, August 29th- Practice at 7:00 (Optional) and 4:00 (Required). In the afternoon, we will meet at Central Middle School Baseball Field.

Friday, August 30th- Practice at 7:00 am (Optional) and 2:00 pm (Required). Meet at High School Track.

Saturday, August 31st- Top 16 runners will race in Wisconsin in the Marshfield Columbus Invite. Others run on own.

On school days, our varsity will practice at 6:15 am and 2:45 pm. Our JV will practice at 2:45 pm and they may join us in the morning if they wish. Our middle school runners will practice after school only. They will practice as soon as they arrive at Central Middle School.

Be sure to tell your parents of the Parent Meeting on the evening of Monday, August 12th in the High School Gym (4955 Peony Lane) at 6:30 p.m. There will be signs to direct you from the Athletic entrance to the meeting.

If you have not been involved in high school sports, you need to get a physical. Please schedule an appointment as soon as possible! Physical forms can be picked up at the high school. If your physical is over three years old, you need a new one.

Brandon Kiel and Nathan Craig are taking care of t-shirts. See them if you have questions.

Our ongoing Team Mission is: To end our season with nine runners on the award stand at State for five years in a row. Established in the winter of 1996 by the Seniors of 1997.

I know a number of you have not allowed distractions to get in the way of your summer goals. Congratulations and keep up the good job. The rest of you MUST get started today. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the 12th. Yours in running, Bill Miles QUESTIONS- CALL COACH BILL MILES AT 763-745-6894 or 952-932-7184.

- “God has given me the ability. The rest is up to me. Believe. Believe. Believe...” -Billy Mills, an entry in his training diary prior to his upset gold medal 10,000 meters race in the Tokyo Olympics (1964)

- “Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny youself, and be humble.” -John Treacy’s four principles of training tha the used to compete in four Olympics and win a Silver Medal in the Marathon in the Los Angeles Olympics (1984)

- “It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys." - Emil Zatopek- winner of four Olympic Gold Medals including the “Triple” in 1952 (the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and Marathon) all in record time.