Qualifying/Competition Standards

12-Minute Run Standards 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th graders MUST meet the minimum number of laps for their grade level to participate on the Walton Cross Country team for 2025.

The team will have different opportunities for athletes to make the team and additionally prove their ability to race throughout the 2025 season.

To participate on the Walton Cross Country team, you will be required to hit your grade level goal. It is expected that this will be done in the first 12-Minute Run, but you will have two more chances if needed. Coaches will have the final decision on who participates and races for the Walton Cross Country team.

12-Minute Run Grade Level Standards: 1 lap = .25 of a mile

GIRLS:

BOYS:

*If a runner follows the appropriate summer schedule given out by the coaching staff in May, they should have no problem obtaining the minimum standard.

*However, it is not part of the Walton XC culture to merely make the minimums. Runners should train enough over the summer to make the maximum of 7 laps (Girls) or 8 laps (Boys) in their 1^st 12-Minute Run.

Cross Country Lettering Criteria

Any team member meeting one of the following criteria will receive a varsity letter.

By Time:
Girls      Boys      Grade
22:45     18:30      9th Grade, 1st Year 10th
22:30     18:15      2nd Year 10th & 11th
22:00     18:00      Seniors

By Place: Varsity Competition

                 Region              County
Girls         Top 25               Top 15
Boys        Top 30                Top 20

By Team Rank: Based on accumulation of team points in varsity competition. Top 7 to letter. Top 12 when a team qualifies for state.

By Accumulation of Team Points: 7 x # of varsity meets plus # on team that finishes the season = Points.
A Senior who has not lettered, but has participated two years and shown an average rate of improvement.

By Coaches Discretion: For outstanding performance but fails to meet one of the above criteria.

Loss of letter and/or award:

• For conduct not becoming of a team member: lack of team support, lack of effort, failure to complete season in good standing.
• Unexcused Absence: Runner will lose opportunity to compete that week. An absence will be considered unexcused if a runner fails to advise a coach. Three (3) unexcused absences will lead to suspension from the team. Every competing runner must be at practice the day before a meet.
• Runner held out at coaches’ decision will receive his/her average number of points. 

2024 Meet Results:

- Hoya 2-Mile (Aug 17) 

- Pickens Preview (Aug 24)

- Jekyll Island Invitational (Aug 31)

What is Cross Country?

Cross country is a team sport of long distance running. Practices and races are usually held on an open terrain consisting of woods, fields, and hills. Terrains differ for each race.

What distances are normally run? Most races are 5Ks. The National Federation of High School Associations has set a minimum of distance of 2.5 KM (a little less than 1.5 miles) and a max of 5K (3.1 miles).

How is cross country scored?

• In cross country, the lowest score wins. The boys race is separate from the girl’s race. Varsity races are separate from JV races. Varsity events are run with a maximum of 7 athletes per team. Some JV events are open and allow more runners.
• The places of the first 5 athletes on each team are added together to determine the team score. The 6th and 7th runners contribute by finishing ahead of other teams’ top 5 runners and increasing their scores.
• In the event of a tie with another team, the 6th athlete’s places are compared to determine the winner (some states will compare the 5th runner.)
• It is important for the team to finish as close together as possible. For example, a finish of 1,3,4,6 and 83, (a score of 97) will lose to a team finishing 16, 17, 19, 21, and 23 (with a score of 96).

Cross Country Meet Information

Meets are normally on Saturday mornings. Meets may last a few hours or all day, depending on the organization and number of entries. All athletes are encouraged to watch and cheer on their teammates in other races before or after their own race. Athletes are typically requested by the head coach to arrive at meets at least one hour prior to their race so they have time to warm up. See the meet schedule each week for specific information.

Most meets will have four races, usually 30 minutes apart. The four races are varsity boys and girls and JV boys and girls.

According to the Georgia High School Athletic Association, varsity athletes may only compete in 10 races during the season and JV athletes may compete in 7 races. The head coach will select which athletes will run each week in which races mostly based on their performance from the last race(s). Athletes selected to run in the varsity races at the region and state meets are those athletes who have typically shown the most consistency throughout the season.

What to Bring?
Pack your bag the night before a meet! Wear your Walton singlet and shorts under your sweat pants and sweat shirt. Be sure to pack your running shoes, racing spikes, an extra pair of shoes for after the race, extra socks, watch, dry clothes, a drink, etc.

Transportation to/from meets
Transportation for athletes to/from meets is typically provided by the school.  There might be random meets that the athletes will be asked to provide their own transportation.  If an athlete needs a ride to a race, parents may contact a Cinder Club member who is assisting in coordinating rides to that particular race. He/she will strive to place your athlete with a parent who has room in his/her vehicle for extra riders.

Post-race
Runners will stretch and do a “cool down” run with their teammates shortly after finishing the race. They can change into dry clothes at this time if necessary. Runners are encouraged to stay for the awards session upon the conclusion of the race, too. It’s fun for our team to be rewarded after training well!

Spectators

• Cross country is not the typical spectator sport because spectators cannot see the entire race from one location.
• Spectators may want to pick their spot(s) prior to the race start for best viewing of the race.
• Spectators are encouraged to help cheer on all Walton athletes.
• Come dressed in Walton apparel to identify yourself as a WHS supporter and show your school spirit!
• Parents may want to bring a comfortable chair to sit in while waiting for the races to begin. Look for the WHS team tent or flag to identify the team’s staging area.
• Bring your camera. Photos of all athletes are compiled in a slide show for the banquet, and volunteer photographers are always needed to assist.
• Abide by parent code of conduct.