Message from Head Coach George Munro:
This is an overview of the indoor track season, in hopes of dispelling any misconceptions, and clarifying some of the daily and weekly expectations for our student athletes. There are currently 70 athletes vying for lineup spots. Strath Haven competes in the Track & Field Coaches Association of Greater Philadelphia Inc. (T&FCAofGP). The Association puts on ten to twelve meets, eight qualifying meets and a championship, plus two novice meets. Our objective each week is to, 1) qualify relays and individuals for the championship meet, 2) give as many athletes as possible an opportunity to compete in events specific to their training, 3) introduce newcomers to the sport
General Meet Information – Most of our meets are competed at Lehigh University in Bethlehem or the Glen Mills school in Glen Mills and now at the U. of Pennsylvania Ott Center. The majority of these meets are run on Fridays, and Saturdays, with a couple on Sundays and Wednesdays. We also take small groups of varsity level runners to meets in the New York City area to run on banked tracks to maximize our chances of qualifying for the state championships. Wallingford Swarthmore SD provides transportation to all meets except post state competitions.
T&FCAofGP Meet Information – Our association meets are attended by as many as 80 schools which are allowed one entry into each event. The facility is available for only six hours which forces the coaches, who are also the officials to keep the meet running efficiently. There is therefore a maximum of 34 lineup spots available for any team, which is about half our team. I will make a lineup each week and post it Monday. I will do my best to rotate our roster into the meets. Priority lineup spots are reserved for the ‘varsity’ and seniors who have spent the most time in our program. Varsity team members are those athletes who compete at the highest, longest and fastest levels of our sport. We try to ensure those athletes the optimum chances for post season eligibility.
End of Season Banquet – We will have a post season banquet to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of our members at the conclusion of the season, usually in mid March.
I look forward to working with your sons, and meeting you at some point this season. Thank you for trusting the coaching staff with the health and safety of your children. We all take our responsibilities seriously.