WHAT IS CROSS COUNTRY?
Cross Country is a rewarding challenging sport that is team oriented but focuses on the individual.
The top seven runners of every team are considered Varsity. They score team points at dual meets and participate in invitational. All other runners are considered Junior Varsity. Races in crosscountry are 3.1 miles and usually last from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the course. Points are given in relation to place (first place receives one point, second receives two points, etc.) A team’s goal is to score the fewest points possible.
WHO CAN JOIN?
ANYONE can join the Dobson Mustang Cross Country team. There are no tryouts and no cuts. We welcome all levels of ability and experience. Although hard work and education are important to all team members, not everyone is out to win a state championship. But you never know what talent you might have until you try it. Even the best runner has to start somewhere.
Maybe this is the sport for you?
COME ON OUT!
IT’S WORTH A TRY!
Dobson
Mustang
Cross Country
Challenge Yourself
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
Team practice begins 15 minutes after the sixth hour bell to allow for dress out time. It’s usually over between 4 and 5 pm. Although a sixth hour PE class is highly recommended, it is still possible to only run after school. Races begin in early September.
Dual meets are on Wednesdays and can last until 5 or 6 pm. Invitationals
which are larger multi-team races are usually on Saturday mornings and finish by 10 am.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Cross Country is one of the most fulfilling sports you can participate in at Dobson.
Unlike a typical team sport where beginning athletes rarely have the opportunity to participate, cross country allows for all team members to run every race. Whether we’re running a workout or throwing a pasta party, we always have fun and encourage everyone to strive for their personal goals. Regardless of your ability level, you will never run alone and always feel like a part of something exciting.
DO I NEED EQUIPTMENT?
Another perk of Cross Country is that it allows you to get involved without breaking the bank.
The only equipment required to participate is a pair of good RUNNING shoes.
Avoid wearing basketball shoes, sneakers, or lightweight tennis shoes. Look for sales at Foot Locker, Big Five, the Finish Line, or Dicks Sporting Goods. For custom fitted shoes, specialty stores like the Runner’s Den and RunAZ are also recommended. Some of the best brands for XC running include Saucony, Adidas, New Balance and Asics. For a competitive edge you
may also want to invest in a pair of
racing flats.
Both the girls and boys teams have qualified for state competition the last seven years and have placed wellas a school and as individuals.
A typical start to a XC Invitational race.
The boys doing their cheer before a race. “mustangs. Mustangs! MUSTANGS!!!”
"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."
-Steve Prefontaine