The Patriots High School Track program exists as an extension of the cross country team. The purpose is to continue building ambitious-minded Patriot runners individually and as a team. Generally, new runners will not be considered however those with previous running experience could be eligible.
Cross Country 2025 has come to an end. What’s next for you? For some of you, running is your primary sport and you’ve reached a competitive level. You want to continue running through the spring. Perhaps you are looking toward pursuing collegiate running. If that describes you, you may want to consider joining the Patriots Track team.
What is track? Track includes a variety of races varying in distance from 100m to 3200m. Unlike XC, the number of participants in each race is limited. Our team does not participate in field events or hurdles. When is track season? Track season takes place mid-February through early May. Mandatory at home winter conditioning will begin in early January. Practices will be held Monday and Thursday late afternoons (depending on daylight) at a local track - possibly Hixson High or Tyner High What is a track meet like? Fun, but long. Track meets are typically 4-6 (or more) hours long and operate on a rolling start meaning you will not know the exact time of your event. Parents must be available to volunteer at one or more meets. The meets will take place on weekday afternoons in Chattanooga with possibly 1-2 local Saturday meets. We do not plan to participate in any out of town meets this year. Who is eligible to participate? Cross country is an all-comers sport. For the most part we welcome anyone who is willing to put in the hard work with a good attitude. We are so thankful for the opportunity XC provides to instill a love of running in so many!
Track is designed for those who would like to take their running to the next level competitively. Each event in a track meet typically allows for only 3-4 entries per team. We will prioritize entering competitive runners into the events. For this reason, please understand that you may not get to participate in every track meet.
Last year we did not need to make any cuts. We will cap the team between 25-30 runners if necessary. Those not participating in a secondary sport will be prioritized.
Registration for track is a 2 step process - you must fill out the Interest Form and the Teamsnap Registration. This Interest Form must be filled out by anyone who is considering joining the track team. Starting the second week of January we will begin emailing Teamsnap registration links to those who filled out the Interest Form.
What if I fill out the Interest Form now then later decide I don't want to do track? No problem! When we send you the Teamsnap registration link in January just reply letting us know you've decided not to participate.
Below is a timeline: Now - January 31: Track Interest Form open (this form) January 10-31: Track Teamsnap registration links will be emailed to those who filled out the Track Interest Form (this form) January 31: All Teamsnap registration forms due
One more time....here are your steps: 1. Fill out this form. 2. Rest well, focus on nutrition and cross train with a couple of easy runs a week. Stay active! 3. Wait until we send you the Teamsnap registration link in January. 4. Start home conditioning the first week of January. 5. Fill out Teamsnap registration link by January 31. 6. Practice will begin in early-mid February. The first step to involvement is filling out the Interest Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbFn3c-vgu3a7SAVqVo8BWyUFcpTiWhe6hv6LAkp8079b5wg/viewform?usp=header More questions? Contact Coach Andrew or Robin at [email protected].