Frequently Asked Questions

High quality running shoes and spikes are critical to the health and success of the athlete. Athletes whom pronate could do harm to themselves wearing neutral or minimalist shoes. Those neutral runners may feel discomfort wearing shoes that offer rigidness and support. Buying a beginner runner, or even a novice scholastic athlete, cheap shoes, is not a good idea.

Now, that doesn't mean that the athlete needs the latest and greatest model- those shoes can get expensive. If price is an issue, there are many 1st and 2nd generation shoes that are very affordable and will support the running style and comfort of the athlete.

As always, we appreciate any support that our parents give to the T&F program. As a coaching staff, we cannot emphasize the crucial role parents can play in the success of our track and field program.  In a given year, we may have as many as 180 track athletes on our team, which obviously presents some logistical problems.  Throughout a season, we may need parents to assist at a meet or help getting an athlete home from a meet after we arrive back at the High School. Please participate in our fundraiser and come to the parent information meeting and that will help keep you well informed on what we do.

Many newcomers to track should expect to have some muscle “soreness” during the first couple of weeks of practice.  This is normal and usually does not require medical attention.  Ice should be applied to muscle soreness in the first 72 hours.  If this soreness persists it is important that athletes seek additional treatment. Kirkwood High School is fortunate to have on staff a full-time, credentialed athletic trainer.  Her knowledge of track-related injuries and muscle soreness is extensive.  It is imperative that all track athletes check in with both their event coach and the trainer whenever they experience prolonged soreness or pain.

If any problems arise (if a team member has to miss practice or a meet, questions about not being entered into a meet, requests to try a different event, etc..) we ask that the ATHLETE speak with a COACH.  Missing practice because another team member said there wasn’t practice, not showing up for your event or to a meet, etc.. is inexcusable! It  is important that parents and athletes understand that when an athlete is entered into an invitational they are expected to compete.

So, when an athlete does not show up for the meet he/she has put an incredible strain on the coaches and his/her teammates.  Thus, it is extremely important that athletes communicate to their coaches weeks in advance if they are unable to attend a meet that is on the schedule.  Athletes who are entered in an invitational and who do not/cannot show up will be held responsible for their lost entry fee.

If parent’s have additional inquiries it is best to speak with or email their child’s event coach.  After that, if parent’s still have questions they can contact the head coaches.

A) Sleep. The suggested amount of time for the average high school athlete to sleep is 9-11 hours. Sleep cleans the brain of toxins, helps muscle heal, and lets oxygen and water flow through the body.

B) Diet. Runners need complex carbs, clean protein, fatty acids, and plenty of water, vitamin A,C,D, K along with potassium, calcium and iron.

C) Obedience. Please let the coach, coach. Contradicting the coach removes that credibility the athlete needs to have in the program. The more the parent believes in the program, the athlete will follow. Please let the coach work in the manner they know best- even if you were taught differently.