September 6, 2020

 We're getting closer to the formal start of our season and the coaching staff is really excited about getting back to work.  We also recognize many of you feel as we do based on your rigorous summer training.  Your efforts will pay dividends when you finally get to race against Silver Lake Regional in our home opener the week of September 28.  Specific dates are still up in the air as the League determines the best method to conduct the meets.  Under consideration right now is holding our races on two days with one gender running on each of those days.  There is also ongoing discussion about what days of the week to hold the meets.  These things should be ironed out shortly, but for now you can count on a weekly dual meet in this order:

Silver Lake Regional

@ Plymouth North

Hingham

@ Duxbury

Marshfield

All aspects of the Patriot League Meet, that is place, date and whether it is held at all, remain TBD.

I walked our course Friday with our AD and he was very positive about the changes.  While the course requires a return to crossing the school driveway it is configured in a way to avoid most, if not all, contact with opponents and meets the new requirements/modifications made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will ask that all of you respect the new guidelines and follow instructions which are there to protect us all. I don't envision any problem in the process.  If you want to take a look at the course we will run this year follow this link:

http://legacy.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=608661

There are two course options, a Varsity 5K and a JV 3K with the same starting line and nearly the same finish as you'll see.

It is notable that while the pandemic has brought with it some difficulties for our athletic program, it has created a (hopefully) unique opportunity.  This year an athlete can participate in four sports.  It has been decades since any athlete, to my knowledge, has earned four varsity letters in an academic year. 2020-2021 may see that accomplished.  XC, without doubt, welcomes any student interested in joining this fall, with no further obligations.  We're happy to share the fun with anybody willing to take a stab at it.

Strength and conditioning sessions continue this week on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 on the front field.  We've had a good turnout all summer but it would be nice to see some additional new faces.  ALL are welcome.  In the meantime get out there and get a good run in!  See you Tuesday!