Making the Team/Lettering

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:

9^th grade/1^st Year 10th	6.25 laps in 12 mins
10^th grade/1^st Year 11^thor 12^th	6.5 laps in 12 mins
11^th grade	6.75 laps in 12 mins
12^th grade	7 laps in 12 mins

BOYS:

9^th grade/1^st Year 10^th	7.25 laps in 12 mins
10^th grade/1^st Year 11^th or 12^th	7.5 laps in 12 mins
11^th grade	7.75 laps in 12 mins
12^th grade	8 laps in 12 mins

*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 seven (7) to letter. Top twelve (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.