Spring (?) Break notes ...
Athletes leaving this winter wonderland have let us know by now. For those braving the central Illinois elements, we will have practice Monday and Tuesday morning. The times have not been determined yet as we are waiting to hear from ISU whether or not Horton Field House will be available. We hope to start practice at 8a. and finish around 10a. After practice, for those wanting to, we like to meet at a local food stop, like Panera or Mary's Diner for food and whining that WE didn't get to go to Florida. For our younger athletes not able to drive yet ... you can grab a ride with a team member that can drive but please have your parent's permission. I can give a ride to someone needing it also.
We have a meet Wednesday afternoon/evening, The West Indoor Meet which will be held at IWU. This is a really good facility both for competing and watching. Lots of local athletes so it should be fun to watch. I will send out more information regarding the meet but it has several F/S relays so everyone here and healthy should get a chance to participate ... that's our hope anyway. There will be no formal practice on Thursday and Friday, the 14th and 15th, although distance will have voluntary practice each of those days. Coach Niesler will schedule the time and place with them.
The first day back from break, Monday, March 18th we have two events to put on your calender ... team and individual photos at school followed by the Clinton Indoor Meet held at IWU. Team members will be released from classes at 2:30p for a team photo at 2:45p followed immediately by individual photos. The meet is scheduled to start at 4:30p but athletes will need to be there as soon as possible after the photos. There is no team bus so each team member is responsible for getting there. If an athlete needs a ride, they need to let Coach Niesler and I know as soon as possible. One or both of us will be able to take them over to the meet.
Congrats to out girls for their performance at the ISU High School Invite last Saturday. I am never sure what to expect from a first meet but l love this team's willingness to try something new and to compete. Nice work ladies! Also, thanks to the parents/families for their support. Really fun to see so many supporting our athletes ... means a lot to our girls and the coaches!
We are hoping the weather takes a turn for more Spring like conditions here in the next few days. I am pretty sure they could use a day or two running outside rather than stairs at Horton. To their credit, they are working hard and not complaining ... too much! Conditioning is a must for late season success and all these stairs and plyos will prepare them for more speed work coming soon enough. Athletes still need to bring layers, head and hand protection for running outside, even as the weather gets warmer in the coming weeks. Thanks
Quote of the Day:
When you recognize that failing doesn't make you a failure, you give yourself permission to try all sorts of things.
Lauren Fleshman, American Track and Field Athlete
