Experienced and beginning runners are being welcomed to start Mansfield Cross Country tryouts with team training sessions starting Monday, July 6.
Mansfield Coach John Mackey has released his July calendar for any boy or girl from grades 7th through 12th that would like to run cross country. Sessions are open for returning runners, new runners that have enrolled into the district, and seventh graders just entering athletics.
Athletes are reminded that they must have a copy of their sports physical taken within the last 12 to 15 months on file with the school before practicing. State and local return to team activity protocols will also be strictly enforced.
“We’ve had several players already following their individual summer plans,” Mackey stated. “As a team we usually wait until July to begin group sessions. Those sessions will begin at the Mansfield City Lake Park starting at 7 PM on the Monday after the Fourth of July.”
Mackey applauded several of the Tiger athletes that have continued their individual training since school dismissed due to the pandemic. He also cited how a large portion of the Mansfield athletes from all sports have returned to on-campus early morning acclimatization workouts since June 8.
The Tigers are looking for any boy or girl that qualifies academically, has an interest in becoming physically fit, wants to develop self confidence, expand team comradery, and earn recognition. Incoming seventh graders in particular that are not sure of what sport skills they might have are encouraged to join.
“Our new seventh graders don't always realize Mansfield offers multiple sport opportunities,” the veteran coach emphasized. “You can do football, volleyball, cheerleading, and cross country at the same time if you’d like. Coaches here work well with each other to give kids opportunities.”
The coach continued. “For example, last season we had at least three cross country runners earn all-district or all-region honors while juggling cheer, volleyball, or softball.”
Team session will be conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays through the month of July. Participants should arrive at the park pavilion wearing face guards around 7 PM for screening/check-in procedures. Practices will proceed roughly between 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM depending on runners’ fitness levels.
Some of Mansfield’s returning cross country runners are shown in this file photo from last season’s Chile Pepper Festival. As a complete group, Mansfield’s xc teams produced 5 All-District runners, 6 RV All-Stars, 10 All-Region runners, conference and regional runner-up trophies, and a top 10 state finish last season.
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