What's the difference between cross country and track and field?
Track and field is our spring program and includes sprints, distance, relays, throwing events, and jumping events. The competition team also does hurdles and high jump for athletes older than 11.
Cross country is our distance running program in the fall. Distances for cross country are typically determined by USATF standards and birth year, but on our comp team, it may vary at specific meets. Distances are anywhere between 1k and 5k. Most of our comp team competes in 2k, 3k, or 4k.
How does the competition team work?
This team is geared toward athletes who have some experience with track and field and/or cross country. Some of our comp team athletes got started in our elementary program.
We run track practices mostly on a high school track and cross country practices on trails and parks all over the Draper and Sandy areas. We train for 14-16 weeks per season with practices 3 days a week. We compete in state, regional, and sometimes national meets, sometimes traveling to 1-5 out-of-state meets per season.
Do you have to try out for the competition team?
No. We don’t hold official tryouts, though it is an advanced program with some of the top athletes in the country. We’ve learned that if an athlete isn’t ready for that level of competition, they often get frustrated with themselves and don’t have as much fun. And since our goal is to empower athletes to love this sport, we don’t want that to happen. If you’re unsure, contact Rachel Martinez at [email protected].
How does the elementary program work?
Our elementary program is designed to introduce athletes in kindergarten thru 6th grade to the amazing sport of running. Registration is $100 per season and includes a team jersey, practices, enrollment in the 6-week training program, entrance for 2 meets for the track & field season or 2 meets for cross country. At the meets they compete against other Wolfpack elementary teams.
How do I start an elementary team at my school?
If you or someone you know is willing to coach or wants to start a team at a new school or park, please reach out to our Elementary Program Director Tom Sharkey: [email protected] to add your school or train your coach.
Is the elementary program or the competition team a better fit for my child?
The elementary program is ideal for beginners in kindergarten thru 6th grade where we introduce them to this amazing sport. Our competition team is definitely geared more towards athletes who have at least a little experience with track and field/cross country.
The competition team is limited to ages 8–14 (or 3rd-8th grade). If you’re still unsure, contact Rachel at [email protected]. She has coached both elementary and competitive teams and will help find the best fit for your child.
Can I switch from the elementary program to the competition team?
After the elementary season is over, the competition team will allow space for a few athletes who have shown a love for the sport, an understanding of how to run, jump, and throw, and a competitive drive. It’s an honor to add a few athletes to continue for another six weeks with the competition team.
What happens at a typical Wolfpack practice?
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For elementary:
We start with a five-minute jog and then we teach basic drills and a principle (such as hydration or mental toughness). Next, we teach a new track and field skill, or running principle for cross county, followed by games that implement and reinforce the skills taught.
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For competition:
We start with a warm-up jog, drills, and we discuss a principle that we continue to expand on all week. Then we split into groups by pace and/or specialty to do specific workouts. Then we join together for core and agility training, play a game to apply principles, stretch, and end with team-building exercises.
What are the benefits of having a USATF membership?
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Access to more racing opportunities and clinics
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Chances to compete in state and national races
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For more specific information, visit the USATF website.
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To sign up for a USATF membership, visit www.usatfportal.org and use club code 34-0222 or click “Wolfpack” on the drop-down menu for the team.
How can I get involved in the Wolfpack Youth Running Club?
We’re open to having a number of people support our events and help run our program. Event support includes nurses and/or EMTs, officials and course marshals, registration table support, and crowd control.
If you’d like to be an assistant coach at your school or would like to help support the program in another way, please reach out to Rachel Martinez at [email protected].
Who are your coaches?
Most of our elementary coaches are local runners and/or parents who are invested in teaching the fundamentals of the sport while having a lot of fun with the kids. Many of them have been coaching with us for several years.
Our competition coaches have competed at the highest levels, including the National and World Championships. They’ve had USATF-level training and have been working with competition athletes for years. Their experiences in coaching and racing show in their passion for helping our athletes.
How do I become a coach?
If you’re passionate about building, teaching, and supporting young athletes, we’d love to have you as a coach! We provide a manual with lesson plans and activities, plus a coaches kit that includes all the supplies you’ll need for all the lessons and activities. Coaches and assistant coaches get free registration for their children, and head coaches will get an additional stipend at the end of the season.
Please reach out to Rachel Martinez at [email protected] to learn more about becoming a coach.
What is your refund policy?
There’s a $20 bookkeeping fee on all refunds. No refunds will be given after the first week of practice.
What events will the kids participate in?
For track & field:
For the elementary program, they’ll participate in six events—100m, 400m, 1600m, 4x400m relay, long jump, and javelin.
The competition team participates in an expanded number of running and field events based on USATF standards. For more information, visit usatf.org.
For cross country:
Running distances vary on age level starting at 1k and going up to 5k.
How much do each of your programs cost?
Registration for the elementary program costs $100 per season. The competition team costs $300 per season.
How old does my child have to be to join Wolfpack?
The elementary program is designed for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade, while the competition team is for kids ages 8–14.
Is the Wolfpack Youth Running Club right for my child?
For sure! Our program is challenging, empowering and fun. Kids of all skill and fitness levels are invited to join our pack as we strive to bring out the best in each other, build friendships, and boost physical and emotional health.
Is Wolfpack a nonprofit organization?
Yes! It’s important to us that we’re a 501(c)(3) federal nonprofit organization.
This means that we love to partner with sponsors who seek to build our community and empower athletes as much as we do. If you or your company would consider sponsoring our program, please contact James Harris, [email protected]. Your donations can go to scholarships, supplies, coaches, and special awards to our amazing athletes. Click here to read about our sponsor benefits.
Board of Directors:
President – Rachel Martinez
Comp Team Director – Teren Jameson
Elementary Program Director – Tom Sharkey
Secretary – Sara Allen
Treasurer – Kristyn Mittelstaedt
Partnerships Director – James Harris
Board Meeting Notes: