Announcements updated to reflect change to Sea View League Finals schedule at Woodbridge High School.

REVIEW:  This last week has been unpredictable and frustrating for athletic programs and it does not seem that it is over yet.  While the uncertainty is an annoyance, let’s reflect on the real pain and suffering that the victims of the fires are going through.  I have appreciated the attitude and cooperation of our athletes as we struggle to get some actual training in our modified schedule.  It sounds as if the Santiago fire might be contained by Tuesday and that is my best guess on when we will be able to resume practices for the entire team.  I hope that most of you were able to find safe conditions to try to maintain some of our fitness.  We will pick things up on Tuesday and try to be as ready as we can for the League Finals.  The other schools in our league are facing the same challenges so we should be okay for the league meet.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE:

1)  LEAGUE FINALS MEET at Woodbridge High School on Friday.  The fire equipment that were used for the fires are not out of Irvine Park, so the meet will be switched to Woodbridge.

2)  UPDATED RACE SCHEDULE (carefully note the gaps in race start times):

• 1:20pm - JV Boys
• 1:35pm - JV Girls
• 2:30pm - Varsity Boys
• 3:20pm - Varsity Girls
• 3:45pm - Soph Boys
• 4:10pm - Frosh/Soph Girls
• 4:35pm - Frosh Boys
• 5:00pm - Awards 

3)  You will be dismissed from your 5th period class.  Be sure that you have all assignments in your class prepared and that you turn in any assignments that will be collected from the other students in your class.  Eat lunch at snack and tutorial.

4)  Our teams have a lot at stake at this meet.  The lower level teams will have a chance to finish in the upper half of this tough league and our varsity teams have their work cut out for a CIF berth.  Actually, our varsity situation is a bit more encouraging than last week.  Due to the fires, the rankings of this week will not be part of the formula for the at-large berths.  They will count the week before Jaguar Invitational (both of our teams were ranked that week) and this coming week.  We just need to run very well at our league finals.  Where we finish is not as crucial as us running very well (at the level we are capable of running).  Good luck to all!  This is the “final” test in our class for this year.

5)  Uniforms (except for the CIF athletes) must be brought to school on Monday and turned in at the equipment room either at snack, lunch, or 6th period.  Remember that lost uniforms must be paid for in order to receive credits earned in the class.

I cannot believe that our season is over this week for the majority of our athletes.  I have enjoyed watching each of you mature in cross country.  This sport is very challenging and you have demonstrated character and toughness that I hope will encourage you throughout your life.  I hope that each of you enjoyed and valued your participation on our team and that you want to help our team do well in the future, maintain good fitness, and improve as athletes.

My hope is that all of you will join us for track and, if you do not have a winter sport, you will remain in 6th period track off-season.  Track will offer another great opportunity for developing friendships, competition, and personal improvement as a runner.  It offers unique opportunities for trying new things like hurdling, pole vaulting, sprints, jumps, etc.

It has been a good year for Woodbridge Cross Country.  Both the varsity boys and the varsity girls have been ranked in the Top 10 in both Orange County and the CIF-SS Division II.  Many of our returning athletes have shown tremendous improvement from last year.  Our new athletes have progressed excellently and they have registered some impressive marks.  Many of us have enjoyed a wonderful Mammoth and Hawaii trip.  Let’s focus on this coming week despite the obstacles nature has thrown at us.  Thank you for your contribution and cooperation.