FAQ
TRACK 2023
FAQ
Are there workouts in the preseason?
Yes, sprint workouts will begin one week after the final football game.
Distance runners will be running all winter (outdoors).
When are tryouts?
Preseason workouts will be held as the tryout period.
Where do I go?
If you are a sprinter or distance lady or gent, we will meet in the school cafeteria.
Throwers meet in the small gym.
During outdoor we will meet outside on the track.
How long?
Sprint group is usually done in around an hour and a half.
Distance group 90 minutes to two hours.
Should I go to tryouts every day?
Yes
What if I am involved in a sport currently in session?
You can join the track team when your sport is over.
We’ve never had a winter-sport athlete fail to make the track team.
Multi-sport athletes are usually high-level performers in track & field but you cannot do two sports in one season per rules set by the athletic department.
How many make the team?
In previous years everyone does but as numbers grow that will change.
Typically over 60% of our team are middle school and freshman/sophomores.
Typical group numbers: 10 sprinters, 15 distance runners, 5 throwers.
Who will be my coach?
If you are a distance runner, you will run distance workouts with Coach Bridan and Coach Liv.
If you are a thrower (shot & discus), you will have sessions with Coach Garcia.
If you are a sprinter or hurdler you will train with Coach Garcia and Coach Rolis.
If you are a jumper, you will train with Coach Adams.
When will the team be announced?
Week after tryouts.
For most athletes, making the team will be a quick determination.
Our coaches will give feedback in the first couple days of seeing you.
Even if you are told that you won’t make the team, you can continue to try out.
Over 90% of those who try out for track make the team.
If you don’t make the sprint group, you can join the distance group.
No one has ever been cut from the distance group.
The true tryouts are for the sprint group and throws group.
⏩ Paperwork ⏪
You must have a physical on file. Get this done ASAP.
You must register with the in school nurse. (Easy to do, no charge!)
Or email
What will tryouts look like?
Sprinters and Jumpers - speed work with lots of timing and assessment.
Throwers - speed based strength training and throwing.
Distance - speed based distance running.
Will distance runners run outside in the cold?
Yes.
Be tough and dress appropriately.
What gets you cut?
Limited ability combined with poor attendance at tryouts
Poor attendance combined with poor communication
If you would make it to ever practice for a team sport then there is no reason why you shouldn't make it to every practice for track
Bad attitude or bad influence on others
Relatively low-ability making meet participation extremely limited or unlikely.
note: a track meet consists of a school’s best athletes competing against another school’s best athletes
Track is NOT a recreational sport.
Participation is earned.
Can I try multiple events?
Yes, for example, in high school, Coach Derks ran the 4x1, pole vaulted, and was a state champion in the 1600m.
How do I hear news and updates?
Twitter @vliet_xctf … if you aren’t on twitter, you need to join and follow @vliet_xctf
Instagram @vliet_xctf ... you don't need an account to check out the awesome photos and videos posted
Youtube Channel click here.
➡️ Website www.wvtrack.com
How many meets will freshmen attend?
Freshmen will compete in a minimum of six meets.
Our best freshmen will compete in all meets.
There are one FS-only meet.
We treat freshmen as VIPs.
We even give freshmen awards.
Many freshmen and sophomores win varsity letters as well.
How much is the participation fee?
Free.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HAZING, TEAM INITIATIONS, ETC.
Is there a fundraiser?
Yes.
We are slowly making history with our annual Cannoneer Challenge Invitational with 2022 hosting 24 schools from the north east!
Looking to do more fundraiser soon.
What equipment will be needed?
Running shoes and spikes
Throwers a pair of great throwing shoes
Jumpers jump spikes reign supreme
Uniforms & Warm-ups?
Uniforms provided.
You will be expected to buy a team-issued warm-up, yours to keep for $60 (retail $110)
If you have last year’s warm-ups, you don’t need to buy new. Warm-ups are expected to last four years.
Indoor and outdoor warmups are different due to different weather per season. Indoor is also inside
Are there workouts over spring break?
In the past, spring break had scheduled workouts.
This year, we will do the same!
Summer Track
Watervliet coached by our very own Coach Garcia and Coach Adams!
Fee costs $500/summer
This fee includes the cost of uniform, training and competition registration
What is an excused absence?
All athletes must notify a coach before missing a practice.
Even if not in school, athletes should email, call, or text via the team discord group.
⏩ Coach Garcia’s phone 518-212-9336 … text or call ⏪
You can also message Coach Garcia
Email vliettrack@gmail.com
GOOD ATHLETES DO NOT MISS PRACTICE
Doctor and dentist appointments should be scheduled AFTER practice.
Multiple absences, even if excused, could result in dismissal from the team.
One unexcused absence could result in suspension.
Who are the coaches?
Head Coach Garcia
Sprints/Hurdles
State Champion 4x100m (2010)
NCAA Runnerup 200m (2015)
CADICA Champion 100m (2020)
Member of WHS Hall of Fame (2022)
Coach of the Year (2022)
Competed in Track & Field at SUNY Cobleskill & Cortland State
Former nationally-ranked sprinter
Qualified IAAF Championships 100m (2017,2019,2021)
Selected for 2021 Tokyo Olympics
Owner of MVG IT Solutions & Garme
518-212-9336
Distance Coach Bridan
Cross Country MVP (2004, 2005)
Standout distance runner at Potsdam University
Head Cross Country Coach
Previous Record holder at Elmira Southside HS mile,2 mile,Steeplechase
Chris Thatre Memorial Champion (2005)
518-369-5464
Distance Coach Liv
Assistant Cross Country Coach
838-839-3310
Jumps Coach Adams
Graduate of Scotia Glenville
518-707-6046
Throws Coach Garcia
Volunteer Coach Graham