Meet at Shawnee this Saturday at 2:15pm and last practice session on Sunday at 5:00pm

Dear Track & Field Families,

In this email:

• Info for this Saturday’s meet at 2:15pm
• Last “practice” session this Sunday evening at 5:00pm (RSVP Here)
• Meet on Saturday, May 21
• League Season Finale Meet on June 4
• Parent Info Zoom tonight at 7:00pm (Register Here)
• Summer Camp (Register Here)
• Summer Competition (RSVP Here)

Meet at Shawnee High School

Meet Host: Medford Track Club

***It has been noted by a few teams that some host teams are not posting meet results. This is going to be addressed in the end-of-season meeting, but for this weekend, Medford has said they are committed to posting the results after the meet.

Here is the info that Medford sent out yesterday.

No access to facility until 1:45. The meet will begin at 2:15. This only gives a small window for a warmup, so if you want to warmup with the team, try to arrive at 1:45.
Once the meet begins, nobody will be allowed on the infield except meet officials, coaches, and athletes staging for events. Food and drink other than water is not allowed on the infield.
The order of events will be as follows (they promise:):
3000
100
1500
4 x 100
400
200
800
4 x 400
***We will have a sign up form for our team for the 4×100 and 4×400. Just add your kid’s name to the form whenever you arrive. This will help us organize those events.
High jump will start at 2:15. Jumpers are expected to be warmed up and have their marks before then.
The long jump pit will be open for the duration of the meet.
Shot put will start at 2:15 (older kids first), followed by discus, then turbo javelin. Throwing implements will be provided.
Events with multiple heats will be separated by birth year and will start with the youngest age group, with the fastest within each age group running first.
8U will run the 100 meter dash on the far straightaway. This event (8U only) might not be timed, so encourage bring a stopwatch if you want to time your child.
In an effort to run an efficient meet, provide better competition, and be more inclusive, athletes will compete together regardless of gender. Ribbons and results will also be mixed to keep the meet moving along (nobody wants a 6-hour meet!) and to have more accurate results ready faster.
Athletes under 13 are allowed to compete in up to 3 events. Athletes 13 and older may compete in up to 4.
Spikes are not allowed.
There will be a small cash-only concessions table.
Port-a-potties are located along the long jump runway and behind the away bleachers.
Right now the forecast is calling for rain. If we need to cancel some field events due to wet surfaces and muddy conditions we will let you know as early as we can. If we need to cancel the meet all together we will make the call by noon on Saturday. Hopefully it will be a beautiful sunny day.

Team Notes for the Meet:

The kids have been really great about trying different events at meets. Keep encouraging this. It is okay, no, it is AWESOME to try an event even though you know it’s not your strongest or that you are still mastering it. High jump is being contested, and a lot of kids really liked that in practice. It should also be contested next weekend. Discus is really hard for the youngest kids, and I do not recommend that one if they have trouble holding the disc properly, but we can help young ones and beginners in shot and javelin. Long jump is always fun for all.

Last Practice Session This SUNDAY at 5:00pm:

The original end date for the Spring Track & Field program is upon us. In the spirit of sticking to what was originally announced, this will be the last “practice” session, even though we have additional meets. This Sunday will be a chance to get as many of the kids together for a fun gathering. We will play games and have treats! Please do me a huge favor and fill out this 15-second RSVP form for Sunday.

Meet on Saturday, May 21:

We have one more regular league meet on 5/21, at Washington Township High School, first event at 9:00am (start time can be changed based on school events). This was the site of our first meet, so everything should be the same in terms of events, but I expect them to also do high jump this time.

GSTFA Season Finale Meet:

Saturday, June 4, 9:00am (estimated start time)

We have finally been given approval to host this meet at Rutgers-Camden University! This is very exciting in and of itself, as it might be the first big event to be held at this brand new, state-of-the-art facility, and it allows us to fulfill our league obligation to host a meet. I will send a dedicated email about this meet soon, but we will need lots of help, especially since it is the season finale.

Parent Info Zoom Tonight at 7:00pm:

Pleaser register any time in advance if you plan to attend this optional parent meeting. An agenda was sent out in a previous email. This is a chance to hear some basic info about how we got here and where we hope to go as a club, and to ask any questions.

Summer Track & Field Camp:

Discount for Spring Track & Field Participants

If your child is participating in our Spring Track & Field program, use this code to receive 20% off the Summer Camp fee (let me know if you already signed up and would like to apply this discount): SJTFCST20

Registration Page

Please help us spread the word about our summer camp! We really rely on word of mouth, and it is a big help to simply share facebook posts, or post the flyer. If you have older kids, neighbors, or relatives that want some good volunteer experience, this is a great opportunity. Just tell anyone interested in volunteering to email me.

A common question is if kids can participate in only one of the two weeks, and the answer is yes. We charge $90 for a single week. There is a payment option now for signing up for one week only.

Summer Competition:

If your child is interested in continuing to compete after June 4, we will organize some informal practice sessions before the AAU Junior Olympic District Qualifier (June 17-19). Please fill out this very quick google form if your child is interested. If you have questions about summer competition please attend tonight’s meeting or talk to me on Sunday.

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Thank you!

Craig

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