Team Goals
The goals of the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team are to provide an opportunity for those who wish to learn and excel at cross country skiing. The function of the team is to promote the development and progress of each individual and the team. Skiers will take pride in themselves and their team; demonstrate sportsmanship; provide a positive image of the team and the community; make friends and have fun.
Athletes whose goals are to succeed at the state and national level will learn all aspects ski technique, training principals, self-discipline, teamwork, and goal setting.
Team Rules and Requirements
Attendance
High School
ALL practices are mandatory. The workout program is designed as a 5-day-a-week program to be completed under the supervision of the coaching staff and amongst the team. Failure to attend practice will seriously compromise the success of the program and the individual. ONLY athletes that attend practice on a consistent basis will compete at the varsity level and be eligible to earn a varsity letter. Athletes must inform their coach of their absence prior to the day of occurrence. Absences due to extreme circumstances i.e. funeral, considerable illness/injury, etc. will not count against the athlete. Homework is NOT a valid excuse to miss practice. Developing time management skills is a VERY IMPORTANT life skill. We wish to promote this skill AND promote academic success. We understand that athletes are "busy," but we want to promote the success of the individual and the team. Attending practice is the most important way of showing your dedication to the team.
Middle School
Middle school athletes may reduce the workout program with the consent of the coaching staff. The parents of the athlete should discuss the alternative workout schedule with coaching staff.
Participation
Athletes will complete the entire work out at 100% of the expected effort. Athletes who show effort will receive priority from the coaches. Note that this does not mean that the best skiers get all the attention, but that those who show desire, dedication, and effort at practice will be given the most time and energy.
Other ski related commitments
Participation in biathlon, Junior Olympic qualifying, and nordic combined races will be discussed with and approved by the GRHS head coach. Participation in regional, national and international nordic ski events are encoraged as the programs accociated with these events promote the goals of the GRHS cross country ski team.
Eligibility
A physical examination/health record must be on file with the athletic secretary before an athlete can compete. The athlete must also turn in an athletic packet prior to the first day of practice. Athletes WILL NOT PRACTICE if their forms are not in.
Coaches will determine those skiers who race on the varsity and jr. varsity teams. Only those athletes who practice and show proficiency at classic and skate techniques will be eligible for the varsity and JV teams.
Rules
All rules and regulations outlined by the Minnesota High School League (MSHSL) as well as those observed by Grand Rapids Senior High will be followed and enforced. This includes policies on: Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, hazing, harassment, and discrimination.
Lettering
The Grand Rapids Varsity Letter award is earned when any of the following is acheived:
- when a skier competes in the Section 8 meet. Seven boys and seven girls are chosen to ski in this meet. Participation in the section meet is based on previous race performances, attendance, attitude, and effort throughout the season.
- when a skier who competes at the varsity level during the year, and places in the upper 50% of the field, may earn a varsity letter upon recommendation from the coaching staff.
- A skier will also be awarded a Varsity Letter if they fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
1) The skier must be a senior.
2) The skier must have been a member of the ski team for two seasons.
3) The skier must show proficiency at both classic and skate techniques.
4) The skier must have a good attendance record while on the team.
Transportation
Transportation to all meets and are provided via bus or van by GRHS.
Transportation to practices will be the responsiblity of the athlete or parent. Practices are held primarily at Mt. Itasca.
Uniforms
GRHS team uniforms (skin suits) will be checked out at the beginning of the season. Each team member is responsible for the care and washing of the uniform. It is to be used only for official MSHSL events. It is not to be used for practices or non team events. The uniform will be turned in at the end of each season at the ski team banquet. Ski team members who do not turn in the suit at the end of the season, lose their suit or who have not cared for the garment in a responsible manner will be billed $150 for the cost of a new suit.
Team Jackets and warm up pants may be available for purchase by each individual through the Parents club.
Practices
Notification
Notice of the location and content of practices will be provided through the team web page or by email.
Purpose
Each practice has a specific purpose. The main goals are to develop the athletes’ technique, endurance, strength, technique, and knowledge of Nordic skiing. Skiers are expected to be prepared with the proper equipment and complete the entire workout.
Time
Practices are scheduled to begin at 3:30 unless otherwise specified.
Locations
Most ski workouts will take place at Mt. Itasca. When conditions warrant, practices may be held at Legion Trails or other local trails. Notification on pracitce locations will be listed on the practice schedule.
Section Teams
Section Teams are typically named the weekend before the section meet in February. The coaches will typically select the 7 fastest skiers for each of the boys and girls teams. To be eligible to be on the section team, the athlete must satisfy all of the following criteria:
1) have skied 3 varsity events,
2) have attended all practices on a regular basis (athletes who are competing at national or international events are excused from practice during the event and must have talked to the coaching staff regarding the events and training program associated with the events)
3) be academically eligible
4) be 7th grade or higher
Being a senior or a captain does not give an athlete an automatic ticket to the section team. The coaching staff will name a 7th grader over a senior, if the 7th grader is a faster, eligible skier.
The coaches will determine the 7 fastest skiers primarily based on racing performance during the season. The two pursuit races during the season will play a significant role in finalizing the team.
Captains
Captain Selection
1. Any athlete interested in leading the team as a captain should submit a letter of interest (by email) to the appropriate coach
2. A team vote may be taken in order to help coaches make the final decision
3. A captain who violates team, MSHSL, or school (academic or co-curricular) rules or policies may be removed from her or his leadership (captain) role on the team. The coaching staff will reserve final discretion for removal of an athlete in the event of such a violation.
4. Only Juniors and Seniors will be considered.
Responsibilities:
1. Lead by example.
a. Set an example in the classroom.
b. During off season training (when not in other sports).
c. Lead on the trails/courses.
d. Be at ALL practices, required and optional…
e. Encourage others to be at all practices… make calls when needed.
f. Follow all MSHSL and GRHS training rules.
g. Plan on attending all meets (JV, Varsity, Middle School).
h. Be the last ones to leave from practice… encourage others until the end.
2. Attendance and accountability in off-season training.
a. Organize and lead activities during off-season.
b. Note attendance.
c. Keep in contact with those not at practice.
d. Report attendance and organizational difficulties to appropriate coach.
3. Help plan end-of-year banquet
4. Lead team in practice
a. Help with team warm-up, form running, workout, cool down, clean-up, etc.
5. Lead team at meets
a. Get course map from coach, lead warm-up on the course.
b. Cheer for all races (know names)
c. Make sure team has cleaned bus after meets
d. Equipment
6. Be a motivational leader
a. Recruit, recruit, recruit
b. Rain, storm, sun or wind…motivate others to do their best
c. Never complain about "hard" workouts. Look forward to these workouts and be excited about the mental and physical strength you will gain through them. Pick up the rest of the team.
7. Organize and help facilitate "carbo" dinners throughout season.
a. Help parents/volunteers arrange and serve
b. Organize and assist with clean-up
8. Assist coaches and team with other duties throughout the season.