The Catholic Community of Pleasanton

2008 St. Augustine's CYO

Track and Field Team

 

What is the Team philosophy?

 

            The St. Augustine track and field program is run as part of the Catholic Youth Organization within the Oakland Diocese.  It is not limited to Catholics, nor do we try to convert people to the Catholic Religion.  However, we foster a Christian environment in the practice and during the meets.  All meets are started with a prayer.

            The athletic philosophy is athlete first and winning second.  This philosophy means that learning, improving, and having fun are much more important than winning.  Winning can't be ignored, but it certainly isn't emphasized.

 

What qualifies an athlete to be a team member?

 

            The criteria to be a member of the St. Augustine's track and field team are as follows:

            1) Live in Pleasanton, Sunol, or Dublin  OR

            2) Be a member of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton Parish           OR

            3) Be a member of the Saint Raymond Parish    OR

4) Attend the either of the parish’s CCD program (for past year)           AND

            5) Have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE       (NO WHINING PLEASE!)

 

What different types of meets are there?

 

There are 4 types of meets that we will participate in this season but please check our website @ www.eteamz.com/ccopcyo prior to the meet for any changes to the outline below.

 

            1) Regular season meets are held at 12:00 pm on Sunday or 8:30 AM on Saturday at the Newark Memorial High School

 

            2) Bill Ford Relay, which consists of a 4 X 100 relay, a medley relay, 4 X 400 relay (5th grade and above) and all the field events, will be held on a Saturday in Newark at 9:00 AM and is the third meet of the season.

 

            3) The Sectional Championship is held on a Saturday in Newark and is comprised of two meets. One is for all the athletes in grades 3rd – 8th or for any younger athletes who wish to compete as 3rd graders, to determine the top 3 qualifiers for the Diocesan Championship meet. This meet will begin at 8:30 am. For events that require a qualifying round, e.g. the 50m and 100m, the championship heats will be run at the end of the event on this same day while all other event qualifiers will be determined by times.  The other meet is for all the athletes competing in grades K – 2nd to determine the Sectional Champions. This year, the two meets will be held on different days with the K – 2nd graders meet being held after the last Regular Meet of the season and is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM so please consult the schedule posted on our web site for specific dates and times.

 

            4) The Diocesan Championship meet is the highest level of competition we will participate in this year within the CYO program.  It consists of the top 3 finishers in each event/sex/grade (grades 3-8) from all 3 sections in the Oakland Diocese (over 2000 athletes).  The competition is fierce.  St. Augustine's typically does very well (multiple Diocesan champions with multiple meet records).  Please note this meet is always held over two days, Friday night for the 800 and 1600 meters with the remaining events on Saturday. This year the meet will be held at two locations:  Friday night at Chabot College in Hayward and Saturday morning at Granada High School in Livermore, so please consult the schedule posted on our web site for specific dates and times.

 

Where are the meets and when do I need to be there?

 

            All of the regular season meets, the Bill Ford Relay, as well as the Sectional Championships are at the Newark Memorial High School.  Athletes should be at the track by 11:45 am for the Sunday meets and 8:15 for the Saturday meet to participate in team stretching, and last minute instructions. The first event, the mile begins precisely at the scheduled start time (noon Sunday or 8:30 for the Saturday meet) so if the athlete is running this event they should be at the track no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the race. For the Bill Ford Relay which begins at 9:00 am, the athletes should be at the track by 8:30 am. Please check our website @ www.eteamz.com/ccopcyo prior to the meet for any changes that may occur. This year the Diocesan Championship will be held at two locations:  Friday night’s meet will begin at 6:00 PM at Chabot College in Hayward and athletes should be to the track by 5:30 PM to warm up.  The Saturday morning meet at Granada High School in Livermore will begin with the relays at 8:30 AM and the athletes should be at the track no later than 8:15 AM to register.

 

How do I get there?

 

            Newark Memorial High School is located in Newark at 39375 Cedar Blvd. near the Newpark Mall. From Pleasanton, it is located off the Mowry exit from Highway 880. Please consult a map or our website @ www.eteamz.com/ccopcyo for more detailed driving directions as well as directions to both Chabot College in Hayward and Granada High School in Livermore..

 

Which events can I participate in?

 

            Each athlete can participate in 3 events, but no more than 2 running or 2 field events at each meet.  In other words, each athlete can participate in 2 field and 1 running or 2 running and 1 field event.  Additionally, relays do not count so each athlete may participate in either or both relay events (4X100m or 4X400m) depending on their grade.

            Please note that athletes are not allowed to compete in both the 1600m and 800m events during the same meet.

 

What happens if an athlete competes in too many events?

 

            It is very important that all athletes limit themselves to the number and type of events described above.  Since all results are computer tabulated, infractions will be noticed.  Athletes will be disqualified from all their events for the day and will be requested to return any ribbons they may have won.

 

            This is a harsh penalty, but there was a lot of confusion in past years at some of the meets related to this rule.  The rule is simple and it is important that athletes and parents are aware of the seriousness of this infraction early in the season to avoid disqualification at any meet.

 

How do athletes sign up for events?

 

            Coaches will attempt to work with the athletes each week to determine which events they will participate in at the Sunday meet.  While athletes and parents have the final say, it is our philosophy to have each athlete attempt each event during the first few meets.  (Sometimes they're better than they think.)  The emphasis is on exposing athletes to a wide variety of events early in the season.  As the season progresses, athletes will be guided to participate in events that have the highest chance for success or that they enjoy the most. Please encourage your child to make sure they know which events they plan to compete in and help them to be to the event on time. Coaches will help as much as possible but it is the athlete/parent’s responsibility to be at the event on time. We have too few coaches for the number of athletes on our team. Each event is broadcast over the public address system and there is a published schedule of events for each meet. Additionally, field events will be open for all grades beginning at noon but they all stop at 3:00 PM.  Awards will be available at 3:30 PM at the event location. Encourage your athlete to complete their event prior to the closing time to avoid the last minute rush, and to pick up their award prior to departing for the day. Otherwise their ribbons can be picked up the following week

 

 

What are the events?  Are all athletes eligible to participate?

 

Events                                                              Grade/Sex

50m (real short sprint)                                       3-5/boys & girls

100m (short sprint)                                           3-8/boys & girls

200m (sprint)                                                    3-8/boys & girls

400m (long sprint)                                            3-8/boys & girls

800m (real long sprint)                                      3-8/boys & girls

1600m (not a sprint, 1 mile)                              3-8/boys & girls

4X100m relay                                                  3-8/boys & girls

4X400m relay                                                  5-8 combination team/boys & girls

Shot put                                                           5-8/boys & girls

Softball throws                                                 3-8/boys & girls

Long jump                                                        3-8/boys & girls

High jump                                                         5-8/boys & girls

Tether ball throw                                              3-8/boys & girls

 

What do I do if I have scheduling conflicts between events at a meet?

 

            Running events take precedent over field events.  Athletes should go to their field event, in between their running events, when they have sufficient time to complete their event.  With as many as 100 athletes on the team, coaches will not be able to look after your child on an individual basis.  Any help you can provide to assist the children to avoid confusion, and not to miss an event would be appreciated. A schedule for the order of the events is normally posted at the meet as well as on our web site. Additionally, all events are announced over a loud speaker, but you all must pay close attention. Please note that all the Field Events open at noon and will close by 3:00 PM. For the high jump athlete, it is important that they check in with the judges as soon as possible to learn when they will be scheduled to jump. Field event ribbons will be distributed after 3:30 PM the day of the meet or at the following week.

 

 

 

What are track bibs?

 

            Athletes are assigned a unique 3-digit bib number that must be worn on the front of their jersey for each meet.  The hundred digits identify the grade the athlete is in.  For example, all 8th grade athletes will be assigned a number between 800-899 while all 3rd grade athletes will be assigned a number between 300-399.  Athletes will be given their bibs at the first meet and are responsible for returning them after each meet or bringing them to the next meet.  If you manage to forget your bib, please remember your bib number and a replacement bib can be secured. Please note: for the Championship meet if you have an athlete in 2nd grade or younger and you want them to compete as a 3rd grader, you must notify a coach before the end of the last regular meet so a new bib number can be assigned.

 

How come there is a distinction between 3rd grade and the K-2nd grade students?

 

            K-2nd grade athletes participate against other same grade and same sex athletes in similar events until the championship meets.  At the Sectional Championship Meet they have the opportunity to compete as 3rd grade athletes if they want to compete in the Diocesan Meet (this meet is only for 3rd -8th grade athletes).  Our Section views the K-2nd grade program as a training vehicle.  As a team, St. Augustine’s sponsors a special JV program especially tailored for these athletes, with more focus on running through fun and games rather than sprints. If you have an athlete who wants to compete in the Diocesan Championship, you must notify the coaches prior to the completion of the last regular season meet.  Your child will then receive a new track bib at the Sectional Championship Meet with a 300 number on it. Please make sure you notify a coach prior to leaving the last meet to ensure your athlete gets registered and can compete in the Sectional Championship meet as a 3rd grader.

 

What are grievances and how are they handled?

 

            Unfortunately, during the year there may be times when you feel an event outcome is incorrect.  If you feel this is so, please do not hesitate to contact one of the coaches, but please do not contact a meet official directly, (nor scream, yell, or jump up and down wildly). Remember our philosophy: learning, improving, and having fun are more important than winning and people do make mistakes.

 

            A $25 fee is required to file an official protest. It will be totally at the head coach or coordinator’s discretion as to whether or not we will file an official protest.  As a rule, we do not file any protests during the year as mistakes can happen and it can be used as a learning experience for all. However, for the Sectional championship and the Diocesan championship we now use a photo finish camera, so mistakes in running events are extraordinarily rare and as an aside note, St. Augustine’s is in charge of the finish line results.

 

Are parents required to assist in the program? (Is the Pope Catholic?)

 

            Parents are required to help in some capacity. Volunteers run our entire program and we need a lot of parental help to manage a team of our size (as many as 100 athletes). This year we will need each family to volunteer for at least 2 hours during one of the meets. No prior experience is necessary to assist. Most likely you will be needed to hand out ribbons or to assist in the Soft Ball event. Some of the other ways parents can assist are:

            1) Help organize volunteers to assist at the meets

            2) Help organize relay teams

            3) Be the Bib coordinator

            4) Take pictures during meets (digital camera is required) for team party

            5) Provide publicity to local newspapers

            6) Help with the team party

            7) Help coordinate email communication to the team

            8) Help organize a team/individual photo session (there is a photographer available this year)

            9) Be an assistant coach (believe us, no experience is required, we'll help train)

 

How do I qualify for the Sectional Championship Relay teams.

 

            To qualify for the relay teams your child must run in the relay qualifier races, which will be held the Wednesday prior to the last regular meet and the section championship.  They should have competed at least once in the 100m run during the season and have a recorded time.  This will allow your athlete to be seeded in the relay qualifier runoffs.  Otherwise, if they have no time recorded in the 100m, they may need to run in a preliminary heat if there are more than 8 runners competing for a relay team position.  If less than four runners are present for the trials then the athletes who are there will be guaranteed to compete that week, provided we can field a full team. If this is prior to the last regular meet this will not guarantee your athlete a place in the section qualifiers as there will be another opportunity to qualify the following week. More details will be provided prior to the qualifiers. If an athlete can not attend the qualifier races for a legitimate reason (a competing sport will not suffice) due consideration will be given them.

 

Practices

 

            The St. Augustine Track and Field program sponsors two types of practices: general and Long Distance.  These practices are open to all members of the team and will be held at Foothill High School, the Pleasanton Middle School or the Pleasanton Ridge.  The general practices will focus on relay technique, short distance sprints and field events (Foothill only).  They will be held at the Pleasanton Middle School on Wednesday’s and the Foothill High School on Saturday’s. The LD practice is primarily for our long distance runners and will focus on the distance events (800 and 1600 meter events) as athletes will eventually run three to four miles a practice (this practice is generally run off track and is not recommended for any athletes who are not already running these distances).  This practice is held at the Pleasanton Ridge and athletes should meet in the parking lot (tell the guard you are running with CYO).  Parents do not drop your athlete off and depart if there is not a coach present.  The training/meet schedule outlines the proposed dates and times.  A word of caution, in all of our years we have yet to publish a schedule that is entirely correct this early in the season, so accept our apologies in advance for any confusion this may cause. Please check regularly our web site www.eTeamz.com/ccopcyo under handouts for updates to the schedule. Additionally, in the past we have had difficulties getting restrooms open for every practice.  Please take appropriate measures before coming to practice.  We would also like to encourage all parents to participate in the practices, either by running (with us) or walking the track (if you are at the track take advantage of it, besides think of the example it sets for the athletes and the calories it burns).

 

Picking up children and dropping them off for practice.

 

            It is our policy to not leave any children “left behind” after practice, so please make every effort or arrangement to have your child picked up promptly when practice is over.  If your child will be walking home from practice, please have them inform one of the coaches.  In an emergency, coaches are happy to take your child home (it’s easier than waiting the extra 20 minutes). If you have a cell phone please include this number on the Parental Permission Form as this makes contacting you much easier. Please do not drop your child off for practice until you personally verify a coach is present to conduct practice (for LD practices, please confirm with the coach the expected end time before you leave).

 

Do we have meets and practices if it rains?

 

            Practices: if it is raining at 4:00 p.m. or later on a practice day, then practice will be canceled.  Please do not drop your children off on a rainy day unless you verify a coach is there to conduct practice.

 

            Meets: the meets are on an all weather track, so rain early in the morning that clears, will not cancel a meet. As a rule: a decision to cancel a meet is neither well coordinated nor communicated. 

 

Do athletes need a parental permission form?

 

            All athletes must complete a “CYO Parental Participation, Health Authorization & Release Form” in order for us to maintain our liability coverage for the season. This is a mandatory item and athletes will not be able to practice or compete without a completed form.

 

Do athletes need a birth certificate?

 

            All athletes are required to have a copy of their birth certificate on file.  In the situation where another coach files a protest about an athlete regarding age, the birth certificate will need to be made available.  If your child has competed in our program in the past, their birth certificate is already on file.

 

Can parents buy track shirts for team spirit? (There can never be enough Orange)

 

            For parents interested in purchasing a team shirt (for yourself, grandparents or other siblings), you can indicate this on the Parental Permission Form. Please circle the size requested and the quantity. Our shirts come in the following sizes: Youth Large to Adult XXX Large and are bright orange. There is a minimal charge of $10 to cover the cost of the shirt. Please include this payment with your fees and indicate the number of shirts being ordered.

 

What are the fees for the season?

 

            The cost of registration is $50/athlete with family discounts (2 for $90, 3 for $120 and 4 for $150- a 5th child is-free).  Please make your checks payable to the Catholic Community of Pleasanton (CCOP) CYO.  If you would like to order additional shirts, please include the $10 for each shirt you would like. If you have any issues with meeting the fee structure please contact one of the coaches.

 

How do I register?

 

            You can register by completing an application form, which can be found on our website @ www.eteamz.com/ccopcyo under handouts and returning it to any coach at any practice with the appropriate fees and birth certificate (if one is not already on file). You may also register by mailing the documents to: Mark Worrell @ 4031 Silver Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566

 

Where can information be found during the year and will I be contacted?

 

            To view our calendar, the meet results, and notices as well as to obtain any directions; visit our web site @ www.eteamz.com/ccopcyo.  We will try to keep all information current and update it as required. We do not have a phone tree so this is your only means to get current information.  We have an email capability so please register your email address on the web site as this is the only means we have to notify you when changes occur.

 

What are the coach’s names and phone numbers?

 

            If you have any questions throughout the season please don’t hesitate to call any one of the coaches listed below.  We’ll be happy to assist you in any way we can.

 

            Team Coordinator        Mark Worrell                                       925-426-5375

            Head Coach                 Tom Vincent                                         925-417-5989

            Conditioning Coach      Nancy Schlachte                                   925-484-5382

            Coach                          Agnes Lamont                                      925-426-5092

            Coach                          Mike Manzano                                     925-462-5226

            Coach                          Rick Rojas                                           925-417-0885

 

Photographs of my athlete.

 

St. Augustine’s attempts to photograph each athlete at least once during the year.  These photos will then put together to make a slide presentation recapping the entire season which will be shown at the team party. All photographs taken will be copied to a CD and made available free of charge to the parent(s)/athlete(s) at the team party. If you cannot attend please make arrangements to have them picked up by a friend.

 

What is the team party and when is it?

 

            St. Augustine’s will sponsor a team party on the Sunday immediately following the Saturday Section Championship meet.  The party will begin at 5:00 PM and will include pizza, drinks, chips, snacks, and ice cream (it’s the end of the season) along with a slide show recapping the season. A CD including all the photographs taken of the athletes during the season will be distributed at the party. Please make every effort to attend as it is a fun way to end the season.

 

 

Is CYO Track and Field the only program available for my athlete?

 

            St. Augustine’s CYO also sponsors a cross-country program in the fall.  We generally do not make any public announcements regarding this program, as the distance is one mile. If your athlete is interested in the program at the end of the Track and Field season, please inform one of the coaches and we will be happy to contact you when the season begins. We will also send an email to those parents who have registered their email with our website.

 

            There are also local Track and Field programs available to every athlete at the end of the CYO season and includes athletes from many of the teams in the Diocese. If your athlete is interested in continuing their season beyond the CYO program, again inform one of the coaches and they will be happy to provide you with contact information.