Exercising is a suggested activity during the current health crisis which has us all social distancing.
That bodes well for area high school cross country teams and athletes in the general, but the absence of teammates and coaches holding athletes accountable is starting to wane on all involved.
“We are fortunate in cross that we can do the majority of our work outside of a facility,” Crawfordsville cross country coach Megan Craig said. “Keeping the kids motivated to work independently will be a huge focus for Andy (Craig, assistant coach) and I. The work the kids put in is grueling at times. It becomes even more difficult when you don’t have your teammates there to give you that positive encouragement you need.”
Indiana high school sports will not be allowed to return to their respective high school athletic facilities until at least July 1.
Once July gets here, Crawfordsville athletic director Bryce Barton says sports of all seasons will get a chance to work with their athletes, but says the end of the month could see workouts focused specifically on fall sports.
Craig says that June is typically a lighter load, before they ramp up their mileage and intensity in July to prepare for the fall season. However, it will be a lost month of team building activities.
“June is a month that we do a great deal of team bonding and getting to know one another, especially the incoming freshmen,” she said. “June is a very low pressure month for us. It’s going to be something that we need to remember when we get back in July. We need to make sure that we give the kids the opportunity to enjoy being together and build that chemistry.”
Crawfordsville cross country has been widely successful during Craig’s tenure, including a girls’ Sagamore Conference title last season, and a boys’ sectional title in 2017.
Craig has sent out mileage and a few drills as workout suggestions to her athletes. A trend that is starting to pick up steam among Athenian coaches.
“Athletes will be receiving an email from head coaches with instructions on how to sign up for a free app where strength and conditioning workouts will be posted weekly,” Barton said.
Overall coaches around the area are most concerned with the safety and well being of everyone involved before high school athletics can continue.
“My feeling is everyone has the same goal in this,” Crawfordsville football coach Kurt Schlicher said. “Be able to live life without excessive fear or constant worry. Hopefully by July this is the case and everyone from players, coaches, fans, students, family, and friends so we can renew with a greater appreciation for the opportunities we get in life. We all understand it’s a process and everyone is on the same team at the moment.”
