Salem Hills/Spanish Fork Triathlon

Well, for those of you who were too lazy to get up Saturday morning missed out on our Cross-country Triathlon with Spanish Fork High School. Those who participated had a great time, despite the high winds and cold water to start the race. Everyone survived and made it safely to the finish line at Salem Pond.

Just a reminder that we will be having a pool party on TUESDAY, AUGUST 19th. We will meet at the high school at 2:30 pm and run to Spanish Fork's pool for swimming and pizza. Please bring $1.00 for swimming. We will take care of the pizza. We should be back to the high school by 6:00-6:30 pm.

Also, on WEDNESDAY, we will have a meeting right after school in my room (D-203). Please be in attendance at this meeting. We will give out all paperwork and go over VITAL information. We will have practice immediately following the meeting, so bring your running gear.

The season is here! I hope you all are excited to finally get going full-speed with practices. If you've been with us all summer, you'll do great! For those who have not been with us as much, hang in there the first few weeks as we get you into shape. We need each and every one of you, so stay with us!

End of Summer Updates

Team-

I've got a couple things to let you know about this next week:

1- We will have practice as normal on Wednesday and Friday morning at 7:00 am.

2- We will NOT be having our THURSDAY evening practice this week due to the fact that Coach Esplin and I will have to be at the high school Thursday evening.

3- SATURDAY morning we will be having a team TRIATHLON that starts at the Spanish Fork Reservoir at 7:00 am. I started doing this Triathlon three years ago for Spanish Fork's Cross country team, and we've had so much fun with it we're going to continue the tradition here at Salem Hills. Please be in attendance. We will swim the perimeter of the reservoir (about 400 meters). If you're not a very strong swimmer, that's okay, because you can swim in the shallow edge of the reservoir. After the swim, you'll hop onto your bike and ride down the road to Highline Canal road, and follow that road to Mt. Loafer Elementary (about 7 miles). There, you will drop your bike and run the last 2.5 miles of the Salem Days 5K course and finish at Knoll Park (Salem Pond). We should be done by about 8:00-8:30. We will also have some water and refreshments at the finish line. It's a TON of fun, and we REALLY want you all to be there. Email me back and let me know if you will or will not be able to make it, so we have an idea of how many will be in attendance.

4- This next MONDAY (the 18th) we will be taking our team picture at 7:15 am at the high school. Please be there early enough that we can get you a uniform before 7:15. This picture will be used for the yearbook and the Fall Sports Program that will be given out at all the fall sporting events. Please make the necessary arrangements to be present for this picture. We will have a practice after the picture, so bring your running clothes.

5- On TUESDAY (the 19th) we will start our MANDATORY PRACTICES at 2:30 pm. Please make sure you all are in attendance for ALL practices starting Tuesday. For practice Tuesday, we will be running to Spanish Fork's pool, where we will have a pool party. We'll provide pizza for the team, so bring your swimsuit and a couple bucks to get in (they usually let us in for $1.00). Again, please be sure EVERYONE is there.

6- On WEDNESDAY (the 20th), we will have a team meeting in my room right after school (Room D203, I think). We will go over EVERYTHING we need to do before our first meet. The meeting will be brief, then we'll have practice, so bring your running gear.

We, as coaches are EXTREMELY excited to get the season started. We've enjoyed getting to know some of you this summer. For those who haven't been with us yet, that's okay. We absolutely need YOU to be with us. Our team this year is relatively small, and we need all the runners we can get. Even if you're not in great shape yet, we want you. Please give me a call or email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Salem Days Are Upon Us

This coming week is the annual Salem Days Celebration in Salem. There's a lot of great activities going on, including the annual SALEM DAYS 5K!!! We want you all to be there to run this race. We are going to use the results of this race to help us determine our varsity team for our first race of the season. Please be there for this race.

If you need to know how to get registered, it's simple. The easiest way is to register online at: http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet=1544
If you register by Thursday, it's only $15.00. If you wait till the day of it will cost you an extra $5.00. The race starts and finishes at Knoll Park (Salem Pond) at 7:00 am SHARP! It's a great road race, and we want the whole team to be represented!

Also, just a reminder again about our TEAM PHOTO on Monday, August 18th at 7:30 am. Make sure you are there for this photograph, as it will be used in both the Fall Sports Program and in the Yearbook. More information will be forth coming.

Thursday Night Run #3

Well, we just got back from our Thursday night run. We drove Provo and ran up the Y Trail to the big white Y on the mountain. We were small in numbers this week, due in large part to those of you at Youth Conference this week, but we had a good time. It is an amazing view, but one HECK of a climb t intoo get there. From the top, though, it was definitely worth it!

We are getting VERY close to the end of summer, and we really need to make a real effort to be to practice from here on out. We've got to begin preparing for the season by getting paperwork done, ordering team shirts, sweats, etc., etc. Please be to practice!

One thing we need to do this next week is fundraising. We have a GREAT opportunity to make some money by selling advertising for the fall sports program. We need your help though. As a result, we're going to offer an incentive for all those who help us raise money. For every ad you sell, 10% will go directly to your benefit (activity fees, T-shirt, etc.) It is a quick and easy way to make a bunch of money for our team, and for yourself! We are going to go through the list of available businesses on MONDAY morning at practice, so please be in attendance.

Okay, one last thing. We will be taking our team photograph for the Fall Sports Program and yearbook on August 18th at 7:30 am. Please make EVERY EFFORT to be there for this picture. We will have our uniforms by then, and we want to have a good looking team photo. If you need to make arrangements at work, do it now so we can get the photo done. It will only take 15-20 minutes, and we'll be done.

Thursday night run #2

Just thought I'd add a few pictures of our most recent run this week. We went up Hobble Creek Canyon for a nice cool evening run. We had a great time, and those of you who didn't make it...well, you missed out.

Remember that next Thursday night run will be canceled due to the 24th of July Festivities. We do want you to run in the Speedy Spaniard 10K in Spanish Fork that morning. Go to http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet=1534 to get registered right away. Until then, we'll see you at our morning runs.

Stewart Falls

Well, our first Thursday night run was a great success. We met at the high school and drove up Provo Canyon to the trailhead. It was a great trail that started off by going straight up the mountain for the first half mile or so. For an old man, I thought I was going to die in the first three minutes. But, luckily it leveled off after that and rolled along the mountain for the next mile or so. The trail ends at the base of a 200 foot high waterfall.

While there, I think we started a new annual tradition...getting under the falls (at least most of us, Cassidy...) They were definitely cold, but it was a great way to cool off after the long run. The only problem was that by the time we got back to the vans, our shoes were all quite black... It was a great time, and just the beginning of the fun we will be having this year in cross-country. We work hard, but we DEFINITELY have fun too.

For those of you who didn't make it this week, be sure to be with us next Thursday night at 7:00 pm. We'll go someplace else fun (we still haven't decided where yet). Also, don't forget to come to our morning practices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning at 7:00 am.

Also, as a reminder, there is the Best Buddies of Utah 5K this Saturday at Mountain View High School in Orem. The race starts at 8:00 am, with registration before that. Contact Mindy Langford at 435-630-0691 for more information. Also, the 31st annual Speedy Spaniard 10K will be on the 24th in Spanish Fork. We REALLY want you to run this race if you're around on the 24th. It's a great race, and is a great chance to see where we're at. Go to http://www.runnercard.com/e/runner.Main?meet=1534 to register. It's cheapest if you register before Tuesday, JULY 15th, so hurry. I'll be there at the finish line to cheer you in!

Thursday Night Runs

I hope your summer is going well, and you're getting out and running regularly. We are continuing to meet each MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY morning at 7:00 am at the school. Please make an effort to be there with us. We're getting pretty much the same kids every morning, and need the rest of you to join us. If you're afraid to come because you're not in shape, relax. We are adjusting workouts for each individual. For example, this morning we had some runners go 2 miles, and others go 7 miles, and everything in between. Don't feel like you can't join us till you're in shape--COME RUN! That's why we're running, is to get into shape.

The second reason I'm writing is to let you know we are starting our THURSDAY EVENING runs this Thursday. Normally we will meet at 7:00 pm at the high school, and go from there. However, this week (July 10th) we are meeting at 6:00 pm. We will be going to Stewart Falls in Provo Canyon, and it takes a little longer to get there, run the trail and get back before dark. If you've never been to Stewart Falls, you will LOVE IT!!! It is one of my favorite short hikes I've ever been on. These Thursday night runs are a lot of FUN, and are important to make EVERY effort to be to. PLEASE ATTEND!!! Also, if you can drive, please do so, as we may not have sufficient room in the school vehicles we're taking. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Mid-Summer Updates

A few quick items:

1- We have been meeting the last couple weeks as a team on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:00 am at the school. We are getting quite a few kids, but are missing many of you. Please make every effort to be to practice each day. We are getting into shape, and it appears we are going to have a great team. However, we are small in numbers right now and NEED YOU!!! If you have conflicts, email me back and let me know, so I am aware of where you are. I know some of you are probably intimidated to come run with us. DON'T BE!!!! There's only one way to get better, and that is to practice. We are working with all ability and experience levels, and will push you, but not beyond what you are capable of right now. Come out and give us a try!

2- Due to the holiday, we will not be holding practice on Friday. Instead, try to run in one of the many road races around the state this weekend. Provo's Freedom festival 5K is a great race if you are around. The website is http://www.freedomfestival.org/public/event_details/25

3- There is an additional road race that I just found out about next Saturday, July 12th. It benefits the Best Buddies of Utah. It will start at Mountain View High School at 8:00 am. I will have registration forms at practice for those interested. This race is inexpensive and goes to a great cause.

4- Starting next Thursday (July 10th), we will meet at 7:00 pm on Thursday nights for a team run. We will try each week to go to different locations around the valley. Some places we are looking at going are: Stewart Falls, the Provo Canyon Parkway, Hobble Creek Canyon, The Hot Pots, Payson Lakes, Red Lake, etc. PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO BE IN ATTENDANCE!!! If you have access to a car, please try to drive on Thursday nights, so we can carpool. These Thursday night runs are always a GREAT time, so please attend. Again, we will start on July 10th.

5- For those of you who were unable to attend the meeting last week, I will get you the necessary paperwork at practice.

6- We are in the process of organizing a Salem Hills Cross Country Parents' Booster Club. If your parents would be interested in joining this parent group, have them email me their name, phone #, address, email address, etc. Keri Minson has agreed to be our Booster Club President, and is looking for help.

Parents' Meeting

Hopefully you have all received our letter inviting you to visit with us on Tuesday night, June 24th at 7:30 pm. We will be meeting at Salem Hills High School, where we will be discussing all the various things that are involved with starting a new season at a new school. We as coaches are excited to finally get the season underway, and hope you are as well. This meeting should be very informative for all present. Please make every effort to be in attendance with a parent/guardian.

Additionally, we have begun practicing as a team this week. We are meeting Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:00 AM at the high school. So far, we have only had a couple kids show up, so please make every effort to be present with us on these days. These practices are important for your conditioning and fitness level, as well as a great way to get to know your teammates and coaches. We look forward to seeing you at practice!

See you Tuesday night!

Salem Hills Open House

Just thought I'd post a quick reminder to everyone about the Open House this Monday, June 2nd from 3:00-6:30 pm over at Salem Hills High School. All the faculty and staff will be there to welcome you and help you find your way around the building. Be sure to find me while your there and say 'Hi.' I'll be wandering around the building, so look for me. My room is upstairs (I have no idea what room number it is), so maybe I'll be in there.

The building is really amazing! I've been in there a half dozen times, and every time I go in there I become more and more excited. Last time I was in there, they were polishing the tile floors and moving desks and chairs into the various classrooms. It looks like I real school, and you will be THRILLED with how it looks.

If, for some reason I have not met you yet, please post a comment on this blog and let me know who you are. Give me your name, grade, and phone number, so I and the captains can get in contact with you in the coming weeks. We have about 35 athletes signed up, so we're still in desperate need of more runners, so if you're thinking about, come give Cross-country a try!

It's Time to Meet

Okay athletes, it's time to meet! I'd like to have a brief meeting with all potential Cross-country runners this week. I've scheduled two different meetings, depending on where you currently attend school. You can attend either meeting. The meeting will be brief, but it's important for you to be in attendance. Here's the dates and times:

Spanish Fork High School: We will meet on WEDNESDAY, May 21st in my classroom (B-1) right after school.

Payson High School: We will meet on THURSDAY, May 22nd in Mr. Griffin's room right after school.

Again, we will keep the meeting to about 30 minutes, but it is VERY important that you are in attendance at one of the two meetings. We will be discussing summer workout schedules, team uniforms, team captains, etc. I look forward to meeting with each of you.

Let's get going.

Okay, I think it is time we start preparing for Cross-country season. I've been waiting to get too excited, as we've been in the middle of Track season. However, since State is the next two days, it's time to start talking about and planning our 1st Cross-country team.

I hope you are as excited and anxious as I am to get started. I have spent a lot of hours thinking, planning, and preparing. I am confident that we will win the first ever Region Championship for Salem Hills H.S., if not the first two. In order to be successful, however, we need NUMBERS!!!! I cannot over-emphasize how important numbers are. As a small school this first year, we need to have a bigger team than our region opponents. The more depth we have, the more likely we will be able to put together a powerful Varsity team that can compete with the other schools in our region.

We need you. If you are an experienced cross-country runner, we need your experience, dedication and leadership. If you are new to the sport, we need your enthusiasm, your talent and your competitiveness. If you are not sure if you want to be a part of the Cross-country team or not, give us a try and THEN make a decision. I promise, you'll have a good time.

Not only do we need you, but we need your friends. We need numbers, like I said. Cross-country will be SO much more fun if your friends are out with us--even if they aren't that good of runners. We take all types of students. If they are willing to work hard, we want them. Each athlete should set a goal of recruiting AT LEAST two other people to the Cross-country team. I can promise you that we will be VERY successful if we can get our teams to about 25+ boys and 25+ girls. I need your help!

We're getting closer...

Here we are--just a couple months from the end of the school year. What a busy time of year this is! Hopefully everyone is doing well in school in your various schools. Also, I hope you are all finding success on your various track teams. Feel free to add a comment on this page and let me know who you are and a little about yourself (both personally and athletically). I'd love to get an idea of who will be with us in the fall. It will be such an awesome adventure to get to know each of you as we go through the coming years as Skyhawks.

One of the biggest challenges for me as the coach this first year will be to find some high-quality assistant coaches that can help us build up an elite track & cross-country program. Track is a sport that requires multiple coaches to coach all 17 events involved in a track team, so it will be a challenge to fill all these positions. I'm open to suggestions, references, recommendations, etc. Feel free to post here or contact me via email at bart.thompson@nebo.edu.

I'm attaching images of the cross-country uniforms I've ordered. I've decided to do different uniforms for cross-country and track. The track uniforms are still in the works. However, the cross-country uniforms have been ordered. This is what they will look like:

Salem Hills Track/Cross-country

Welcome to the Salem Hills Track and Cross-country blog. I'll be using this site over the coming months to communicate all the necessary information there is out there to get ready for our inaugural year! I hope you are as excited about the opportunity of opening a new school as I am. It will be, without a doubt, one of the highlights of your high school experience.
As I've been preparing to come to SHHS, I've reflected a great deal on my own high school experience. I attended Weber High School, where I ran track & cross-country for two years. Then I, much like you, had to make a decision. Would I remain at Weber High, a school that I had loved and been absolutely loyal to? Or, would I take a chance and go to a brand new school, where I would have the opportunity to start new traditions, build history, and potential set a school record or two... It was a tough decision--in fact, I was one of the last of my friends to decide. But, I decide to go to the new school--Fremont High School. Believe me when I say this: I've NEVER regretted my decision. I was part of something very few adolescents get to be a part of. I will forever look back on my decision as the single most important (and best) decision I made in high school.
So, why am I telling you this? Because I'm sure there are some of you that are wondering what to do...maybe you've decided to come, but are having doubts. My advice to you is: COME!!! You will have the opportunity to run for a brand new team, with brand new uniforms, start brand new traditions, make new friends (while staying close to your old friends), and hopefully win a region title or two!
As the current track season gets underway, I want to encourage you all to join the track team at whatever school you are currently at, whether that's Spanish Fork High, Payson High, or any of the junior high schools. I want to see that you are all out working hard and running hard, and improving your athletic abilities. I have high goals for our team in our first year, but we've got to start working now to accomplish these goals. Feel free to drop me a note or give me a call if you have any questions, or just want to tell me how things are going. I'd love to hear from you!