WRENTHAM DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER

Folks, you are welcome that I did not have practice today!

No sense getting all wet and having to go out and possibly do the same the next day.

BUS LEAVES AT 8:30AM

Pack for tomorrow: 

A change of shoes to walk the course in as well as your racing shoes.

An extra set of socks as I imagine you shall get either wet or muddy.

Maybe even a change of clothes

Something to drink as well as eat ( even though there should be a concession there).

Some money to purchase food or a tee shirt.

Positive attitude! We have gone from the intense heat to now a possibly chilly and wet place.

Sweats/ jacket for protection. 

Umbrella

Blanket for ride on the bus 

Pillow for same.

Races start a 11:30..we are leaving at 8:30 

Last race starts at 2:00 for us.

LET'S DO THIS!

STATE SECTIONALS

Raining WAY TOO HARD out there. I wanted to hand out uniforms for tomorrow. They will get SOAKED during transport.

NOT GONNA HAPPEN!

For those seven running, will bring them at 7AM tomorrow and you all can change into them.

Decide if you want red shorts or not.  I shall collect and clean them after you all run. 

Be prepared for MUD, SLICK CONDITIONS, and COLD.

Bring sweats, coat, hat, gloves...whatever you need. If you have spiked racing flats, bring them. If not be prepared to protect yourself out there!

BUS LEAVES at 7:30 for those NOT competing.

WATER ANYONE?

MAD HATTER DAY

We had the field today, so we decided to have a MAD HATTER contest!

SITH LORD PRACTICE

While we were practicing at our most sacred place because the PVIAC meet was postponed, ( NO DAYS OFF), a SITH LORD joined us!

We also saw a deer, but who's really looking at a deer?

TODAY'S MEET

Sorry I did not leave you all with instructions for today. Too many things going on.

Today, arrive sometime after 2:30. Get your assignments started for school, or any meetings you might have to attend (you folks are good at this already). 

I can get the boys to put out the cones (which I have to go get in Holyoke...another story!)

Be dressed warm-up as well as bring a jacket in case of rain.

Renassiance shall arrive and we shall walk the course together (or necessary parts). They have a skeleton crew.  We should get underway quickly. 

When we reach the entrance way back to the school....everyone jog in. Once you have reached the track upon your return, go to the tennis court and start your cycle to run. I shall give the teams about 15 to 20 minutes on they have arrived to begin the race.

It is important that you manage your time - this includes bathroom. 

Will blow a whistle at 2 minutes and again at 1 minute, then I shall raise the flag and fire the pistol. If you are NOT there, it is not MY fault. I shall make no exceptions (unless it is something within reason).

THIS prepares you for the Championship meets. They will start without you if need be.

Use the FORCE today ( Focus On Respect, Commitment, Excellence)

 

OCTOBER SHIRTS

Will order shirt sizes in pink tomorrow.

Instead of Spartan Cross Country, would you like to go with this logo instead on the front? 

Whether yes or no, do you want a black border around whatever logo is selected? (imagine our red shirts without a white border around the silver...unless you all want a darker pink?

 

 

MEET vs. PUTNAM & CENTRAL

Expect anything today. 

Thundershowers are forecast. If so, meet COULD be moved to Wednesday. If that is the case, we shall practice inside today - bring practice gear. Yoga on Wednesday would have to cancel. Meets take priority.

We will not know until after 1pm. Springfield Athletic Director will make the call.

Other options include (but are not limited to):

1) Not walking the course since we know it already to get it in sooner

2) Later start either on today or Wednesday

3) A day other than Wednesday since we have team pictures that day

4) A VERY WET race today...if so, be cautious when we run - could be slippery

5) Something else...listen for announcements from Mr. Magee

OLD SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY AT FOREST PARK

E-MAIL ALSO SENT

 Tomorrow we go to Holyoke's Ashley Reservoir to race. This is located by the Elk's Lodge off of Whitney Avenue (250), opposite the Holyoke Mall.

When you arrive, go through the pathway which I believe is North of the Lodge to the starting line.

A number of things to be aware of:

Our bus is scheduled to leave at 2:30. Go to the bathroom beforehand, but the Lodge will eventually open before the race.

Holyoke shall probably arrive late, and we still must walk the course.  

I think the Boys shall go first or at least a few minutes before the Girls.

Parts of that course could have mosquitoes or gnats at this time of the year. My suggestion is that you bring your own bug spray or repellent. If you are not allergic to it, you might need it.  Maybe a lotion or some sort of protectant pad. I will bring cleaning pads to wipe off afterwards if needed. Check with your parents first. Coaches are NOT permitted to supply you with anything else except cleaning wipes.

Parents ARE encouraged to bring fruit, water and beverages for the team as recovery items! We are GREEDY! THIS coach likes watermelon.( it is still in season)..better SAVE him some!

MASKS: Must wear on the bus and I would suggest while walking the course.  STAY TOGETHER as we discussed Saturday...look for landmarks so that you do not get lost.

Guests must also wear masks, unless instructed by the home team not to. ALWAYS be prepared!  Guests should social distance whenever possible. Holyoke has not released any limitations yet. Springfield on the other hand HAS. We shall go over their's this week.

Let's have some FUN tomorrow and LEARN!

F.O.R.C.E.

I guess it had to happen some day. Coach Budd would use the FORCE as a method of training.

Focus

On

Respect,

Commitment,

Excellence

 

HEAT

Heat index is high most of this week. It is suggested that you run early in the morning as lightning and thunder are predicted for the evenings. Stay safe!

RULE CHANGES

https://www.nfhs.org/articles/field-event-safety-uniform-changes-highlight-high-school-track-and-fieldcross-country-rules-revisions/

A CHRISTMAS STORY

 I have MY tree up. FINALLY!

What do you all THINK?

 I am afraid though that Santa Claus shall not be joining any of us this Christmas Eve. As you all know I don't celebrate Christmas, and now, sadly...neither shall any of you.

I am holding him hostage in carbonite. 

I heard help is on the way, but they won't make it in time...

MESSAGE FROM COACH BUDD

Greetings.

I do not usually send out messages to everyone in this manner and you all KNOW I don't ever post pictures of myself. I thought I would change the pace a bit and add a personal touch.

Much like ultimate frisbee, it won't likely happen again.

I wanted to thank all the members of this season's Cross Country team. You all made it one of the most enjoyable seasons I ever had. Also, one of the easiest ones to direct.

Unfortunately, the season was way too short and the rules of engagement were slightly uncomfortable.

BUT, we had a season. This makes up a bit for our lost Spring season.

We are not having a banquet, so therefore I cannot say the things I would have in a gathering, so I suppose I will "bore" you all here. Try real hard to stay awake. Snoring, however, IS permitted.

The thing I appreciated most about this season was that it seemed as if everyone said "thank you, Budd" after every practice and meet. I do not think that has ever happened before. Or at least I never noticed.

While I never had the time to secure awards for anyone, I would like to say a few things about each person. The problem is that I had hoped to go on until 11/20, but the health and school departments felt it wiser to end earlier. I will not argue their points, as they are concerned about all of our safety.

We had a rookie join us this year in Emily "Gov'na" Baker. She was outstanding in practices as well as in meets. Also,she also is a product of my summer camps. I foresee her being a multi-event athlete. Clearly, she was our outstanding newcomer.

Abby" Hot Table" Devoie decided to stop playing soccer and was invited to join us. Mr. Gerry made that suggestion and she proved the change was a great choice. turns out two years ago, we called her "Bambi" because of her stride. Now I have the difficulty of which nickname to use. I still think she would also be a tremendous hurdler - doing cross country would improve her skills in the lows as well as the 100 highs. Now if we can just get her away from basketball...

I used to think that Brooke "Mismatch" Vaccaro simply bought her shoes in "twos" and would wear one of each of them every day...who thought she actually BUYS them that way? Brooke shall become a great leader. She is hard working and has improved tremendously during the course of the season. She is still a better athlete than her brother.

Elyse "Alpine Shoosh" Donaghue left us after two meets to go North...not to find Superman's fortress, but to ski. We missed her, but understand her passion to climb up hills only to slide down. This is going to be HER team next season. I believe she shall return in time for Outdoor Track and Field. She might become one of those "Pole Vaulting Distance Runners".

Mackenzie "Jo Jo Dancer" Richards is the most unpredictable person on the team. We never really know which Jo Jo will show up each day. Will it be the one that complains about a Mercedes, or the one that unconsciously runs like the world class dancer that she is? Every day with her is a fun adventure.

We all know that Erin" Dilly Dilly" Lavelle is by far the fastest girl in the school. Doing XC gave her a perspective on how distance is run, but also gave her the opportunity to improve her stamina. I believe she is now going to be an awesome 400 runner to go with her record setting 300's. This experience has kept her in condition regardless of whatever happens indoors.

Angelina "Rajon Rondo" Carando was our best performer in contests during the season. She has only scratched the surface of her talent. Everything she accomplishes seems to be so effortless. Good speed, good endurance, good form, She was likely one of our more valuable players during the entire season. Every week she got better and better.

Margaret "Ryan Express" Ryan ran more miles than anyone this year and always seemed to excel during practice. It seems as though, the longer the race and the longer the run, the more effective she is. The steadiest performer of all on the team from start to finish. I believe "The Express" can take this further and have a stellar career. She is durable and extremely coachable.

One person fully organized the team and lead it from start to finish: Elizabeth "Impact" Laughlin. Despite injuries, she always showed up and produced quite well on meet day. The team voted her the Pat Manley award for Team Spirit.she had her hand on the pulse of the team and was always the perfect spokesperson...despite her lousy jokes. Seriously, she understood the workouts to the point in which I could briefly say what we were doing and she would lead the team as if she were coaching it.

Coach Besser was available for us every weekend to run with. He spent time with everyone when he could and would be a part of composing workouts. I could not ask for a better distance coach to help the cause. He is so well respected by the runners themselves and still willing to run some courses with folks at almost any time. It really helps that he is still competing and helping to train others. 

I recommend that while the weather is still pretty good, you get in touch with him for weekend morning long runs. Upon request, I can continue to post workouts for each week on the Ladyspartan web site.

A few others that helped push us in the right direction included: The trainer Diane Savacool,, Coach Gorman, Mr. Cassidy,and Athletic Director Mr. Magee. Each added significant value to the program.

I would like to thank you all for your support this season, as well as your enthusiasm. I think we did really good. The task at hand is now to rebuild the team as we have only 4 returners. This year, being smaller was good, so I would not want to get much bigger than 12 (we had 9 this season). This makes practices more manageable and if we split into groups, there are not so many.

Let's get on it! It really seems as if you all had a great deal of fun. We need to expand upon that. It's the fun that we need to emphasize, because the program is designed to give positive feedback often so you can gauge your improvement and I can calculate the range of your future training.

A lot of you were on point with training time predictions. We also got our work done on each day well within 2 hours.

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE HORSE BEING BLIND - JUST LOAD UP THE WAGON!"

REAL SUPERHEROES WEAR MASKS!

TUESDAY MEET

Our last meet is TOMORROW!

The Health Department in conjunction with the Superintendent has determined that our last day is tomorrow.

While I am not pleased, there really is no room for argument.

Therefore, we shall hold our last meet (full course) starting around 2:00 PM tomorrow. Since there is no school due to voting, I would like everyone to come in uniform as well as dress for any elements.

We usually wear black long spandex under our shorts and white long sleeves under our top. Hats are optional as well as gloves.

We shall be running the entire course, which means we shall take a lap around the track to the finish line.

I wish we had a little more time, but it also appears as if the Governor is adding more restrictions due to the covid. Hopefully things shall get better, so that we might have an indoor winter season of sorts.

Will need our managers to help. I had thought about running the boys first, but I won't start the boys race until 30 minutes after the girls have started. Will only need to put out two flags to insure correctness. Everyone should know the course.

Let's do our best tomorrow. I cannot guarantee the weather, but bring a positive attitude!

SNOW!

For all intents and purposes, our regular season is over. 

Official results vs. Minnechaug still have to be determined, there were some discrepancies, but certainly the Falcons prevailed. The times of each member of our team still have to be confirmed.

I think we did well, but I am uncertain how well. We shall figure it out.

For today, roads are slippery. I do not know how cold it is outside, nor how it shall be after 1:00pm.

The other danger is leaves under snow. We also are not permitted to practice in the school.

I am going to do something I NEVER do. Let's re-group and start fresh on Monday. Regardless of what the weather might be, you shall have a chance to rest and get that extra hour of time for yourself (remember we fall BACK an hour on Saturday night.

There are still several things I want to get done before we pack it in.

Timed mile for all on Wednesday (would like managers to attend). Also, the following week we will run our REAL course against one another ( November 10). 

Because Winter Sports is truly questionable, I believe it is in your best interests that we continue on until November 20 as far as training goes (weather conditions permitting and at the discretion of the Athletic Director). I shall keep you all informed of what we are doing. 

We still have the tennis court and pretty much access to the turf and field because we start early.

I think we have had a successful season.  The last several years have given us many a challenge. Think about it: extreme heat, the threat of west nile, cold, rain, covid, etc. Every one of us has adapted to the changes and I do not believe anyone has complained. 

Each student  and parent understands that safety is the primary concern. Your parents have provided us with nourishment at our contests and have been exemplary throughout. Special thanks to Mr. Cassidy for videotaping what we have done. Everything this season is on ELCAT.

PLEASE DO THE 30 MINUTE WORKOUT today, and tomorrow if not for anything else, to humor me!

We shall be back in business again on MONDAY....HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HERE IS THE WORKOUT

WEEK 7 EXPRESSION

Brought to you by Emily "Gov'na" Baker

"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming" - John Wooden, The Wizard of Westwood

WEEK 6 EXPRESSION AND MORE BUSINESS

Brought to you by Erin "Dilly Dilly" Lavelle

"Life is meant to be a challenge, because challenges are what makes you grow."- Manny Pacquiano

Former Boxing Legend and current Phillipine Senator.

To everyone from Mr. Magee (through Coach Budd) -

Recent metrics show East Longmeadow still in the red. Mr. Magee is meeting with the Superintendent and the Health Department to determine if sports can continue. He is proud how all the teams have conducted themselves by following all of the guidelines.

That may or may not be enough. 

Longmeadow is currently the only school on our schedule that will not compete against us as long as we are still in the red.

I know he truly wants us to continue.

POST SEASON

There are several rumors going around as to how we are going to end our season and what we can do in place of a banquet.

I was approved to hold an Intra Squad Cross Country meet at the school on November 10th.  This would be an opportunity for everyone to run on the true course and compare performances from year's past.

With Longmeadow out of the picture, perhaps we could pick an alternate date (we were scheduled to race the Girls on 11/2 and the Boys on 11/3).

The MIAA has allowed our sport to continue on until 11/20. While our conference (the PVIAC) has nothing scheduled. The MSTCA is holding a couple more meets in Attleboro.

Kids would have to sign up with their parents' approval and pay on their own (as well as secure their own transportation). I am simply relaying the information, I do not recommend this, because it is a little complicated. Coach Abad's and my priorities are the safety of the students here.

Coach Abad and I are going to follow instruction and recommendations from Mr. Magee.

I want to continue training if we can, simply because the Winter is a huge question mark. This means basketball, wrestling, Indoor Track and Field, cheerleading, skiing and possibly swimming may or may not go or shall have some severe restrictions.

Everybody asks me what I think, and I really do not know...but I am always hopeful something may happen to at least keep our folks in shape. 

The folks I mentioned throughout this message (MIAA, PVIAC, Superintendent, Health Department, Athletic Director, School Administration)  will collectively determine our fate. 

I assure you they do not wish to prevent anything, but our Governor also will weigh in. Just this week, I think he is shutting the skating rinks back down again.

Numbers are numbers and numbers do not lie. WE have to do our bit by wearing masks, washing our hands and social distancing.

It probably does not hurt to cross our fingers.

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

WEEK 5 EXPRESSION - CAR WASH SATURDAY

Brought to you by Mackenzie "Jo Jo Dancer" Richards

The principle is competing against yourself. It's about self-improvement, about being better than you were the day before. - Steve Young, NFL Quarterback

SATURDAY FROM 10 - 1 AT EAST LONGMEADOW SENIOR CENTER

MEET MOVED TO WEDNESDAY

Chicopee Comp has postponed our meet to Wednesday.

For those of you that know we have no spot at the school to train inside, here are a couple of videos that I would like for you to do.

Both are Yoga related.  We cannot be inactive.

Go through your normal warmup and run two miles. Come home and work for about 50 minutes on these two videos.

DO THIS ONE FIRST

Take a quick break then do this one second. Yoga has always been a part of our training, so we need to add today top be ready tomorrow.

Get your mind together for the race. Pack your bags tonight and still include additional socks, drink and snack!

MAY THE COURSE BE WITH YOU!

SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND

Here is the schedule for this entire weekend:  

SUPERHEROES WEAR MASKS

Saturday - 7:45 AM at Forest Park (Trafton Road entrance)

Sunday - ON OWN  Recovery Run 

Monday - at Turner Park 

Tuesday - Meet at Chicopee State Park