I heard with some consternation that there are now cuts implemented on the boys team. In some cases 6 season runners were cut, and in a number of other cases, freshmen were cut.
Although I cannot say what's a reasonable thing to do, I always felt that pushing yourself against your own times and PR's is something that establishes the spirit of the team.
In any case, it makes me sad that we're losing a part of the tradition that made NS track special.
18 comments:
Hasn't this has been talked about in the past coming down from the athletic department and beyond as a cost cutting measure. I think the main extra costs involve the busses to meets. The 1st cut should only be who travels to meets and not cutting from the team. In the past, parents carpooled when there were not enough busses.
I was also perplexed and disappointed to hear about cuts on the boys team. As John stated, one of the great features of high school track is the opportunity for kids to set goals for themselves and work towards those goals. Other benefits include the connection with their school, the spirit of team and bonding with other student athletes that occurs when kids can be on a team together. Also, how certain is the coach that he didn't cut a potential All American; the athlete might not be a strong competitor now but with coaching could achieve for himself and his team.
The current athletic fee is now $300 a season. I'd imagine this would go toward bus fees, but it's worth asking.
When I coached, I just recall some JV kids who really rose to the occasion and the spirit of the team even in the last heat of the 100 m dash was quite something.
As a NSXC/NSTF alum, this news makes me incredibly upset. One element of running for Newton South that was especially important to me was the fact that so many people could be included. It did not matter what your splits or your marks were: everyone on the team cared about each other, wanted to be there, and ultimately strived to make an impact. The program emphasized that your attitude and behavior could have just as much - and even more - of a positive effect on the team as how you were able to perform on the track and the course. Through efforts such as affirmations and the JV DCL championship, everyone was given the opportunity to share what they experienced with others and to be proud of their achievements. Throughout my time at Newton South, I was truly honored to represent a team that valued EVERYONE, regardless of if you were the last one in a race or a national champion. This emphasis on inclusion had a positive effect on me as a student-athlete in high school as well as beyond; I believe that this acceptance and encouragement were key components regarding the value of playing sports and sportsmanship. I sincerely hope that the coaches re-consider these cuts and work to uphold the principles that I valued so greatly when I was fortunate enough to wear a Newton South uniform.
This discussion is important but it would be a good idea to get the facts first. I suspect, if there really are cuts, it doesn't come from the coaches, but from the athletic director or more likely school superintendent with a budget cutting mandate.
I'll see what I can find out.
There have been large teams before. What's changed?
One of the hallmarks of the South track program has been the "family" atmosphere and the value put on the performances of all kids. I believe this has been one of the building blocks of such a successful program. Previously, when there has been a numbers squeeze- primarily regarding buses- some athletes would have to find their own way to a meets, usually by parent carpool.
I understand that practices can be exceptionally crowded, but the benefits of building a team without cuts overrides that inconvenience. To say nothing about the advantages of allowing kids to develop; over the years many marginal freshmen (who could be cut) develop into contributing varsity athletes.
Let's hope this is a one-off situation.
Henry -
Can you find out if the cuts indeed were only on the boys teams? If so, and it was an administrative edict from on high, why single out the boys?
As the previous poster commented - in the past we have made up for shortfalls by carpooling. In point of fact, I had organized many of the parent carpools and personally shuttled athletes to and from Reggie. We also helped in other ways, like financing the purchase of track shoes, batons etc. We've *always* found a way to support this, so if it is indeed an administrative edict, it would be nice to toss it to the parents who value the tradition to see if we can scramble to make it work.
I'm happy to start organizing carpools - just need the word!
The cuts were only made on the boys team. They were a decision by the coach to create a more competitive atmosphere. There were time trials first day of practice
And cuts were made accoringly
I'm very sorry to hear that.
Is there anyway to get this resolved?
"What's done cannot be undone."
Lady Macbeth, Macbeth Act V, Scene 1
The previous boys coach used to do time trials and cuts. I believe this happened in 2007 outdoor track and maybe a few other seasons.
This is really too bad. As someone who started as a slower than 6:00 miler as a freshman and who then went on to run in college, this makes me particularly sad. Steve and Matt really brought me into running and made me love it and its too bad they are not letting people who have that desire to really improve and work at it onto the team.
George - in 2007, James was a junior and I followed the team quite closely, both indoors and out and I don't recall any cuts either season on either the boys or girls squads.
In 2008, I helped coach indoor and out, and there certainly weren't any cuts then.
John,
The year would have been 2006 and there were time trials for cuts but I think the cuts never happened. I haven't had time to ask around but believe cuts were part of the program earlier.
In my opinion there shouldn't be cuts in this sport for a dedicated runner/field event person. We should encourage participation. Logistics of coaching a large team would be a challenge but I believe it's worth it. I've volunteered to help the team off and on since 1995 with some very large teams and always felt the energy of a large open team. The competitive effect is still there by trying to make varsity. Having a big farm system in T&F is very important.
- Henry
Henry -
I agree with you. In general, having a large base tends to bring everyone 'up' in their level. It's also true that the maturation in some events can take quite some time, so it's difficult at the outset to see where people may ultimately shine.
The price is in having to manage large groups, but often times, the athletes are quite happy when they're on the steep part of the learning curve and see rapid improvements.
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