Just wanted to give everyone a reminder that all running practices are posted on the school calendar at least a couple weeks ahead of time.  Our first practice is tomorrow (monday 8/31).  If for some reason I have to cancel a practice last minute I will change it on the school calendar.  Of course I will try to avoid last minute cancellations, however all runners should make it a habit of checking the school calendar a half hour before each practice.

http://www.bbcacrusaders.org/calendar

Also, I am considering this year having a few practices that would involve the team biking from my house to a trail-head where we will start running practice.  Parents:  Please let me know if this doesn’t work for you.  Some of the roads have a lot of turns and a narrow shoulder.  I feel perfectly safe on them, but I wanted to give you the option to have your kids opt out.

Brian Petro
707-585-2088
brian@bbaptist.org

The 2009 Crusader Basketball Schedule has been completed.  Following are the dates, times, and locations of this season’s games:

• September 26 – Preseason Tournament – Location and times TBA
• October 2 – BBCA vs. Arlington – Richmond, CA – 6:30 pm
• October 9 – CBCAC vs. BBCA – Rohnert Park, CA – 6:00 pm
• October 13 – BBCA vs. Heritage – Antioch, CA – 4:00 pm
• October 19 – Hopewell vs. BBCA – Rohnert Park, CA - 6:00 pm
• October 23 – Arlington vs. BBCA – Rohnert Park, CA - 6:00 pm
• October 26 – BBCA vs. CBCF – Fairfield, CA – 5:30 pm
• November 2 – BBCA vs. Hopewell – Napa, CA – 4:00 pm
• November 6 – CBCF vs. BBCA – Rohnert Park, CA – 6:00 pm
• November 20 – Heritage vs. BBCA – Rohnert Park, CA – 6:00 pm
• December 15 – BBCA vs. CBCAC – American Canyon, CA – 4:00 pm
• January 18 – Postseason Tournament – Location and times TBA

This schedule is subject to change, and we will notify you of any changes as far in advance as possible.  Home games are in bold print.

I did some research and these are the races I know of right now that I’m planning on having us run.  Of course I’ll let you know if there are any changes to this plan.

• Nov 14, 2009, Muir Beach, Sausalito (pacific trail runs) $30
• Dec 19 2009, Last 10K Howath Park, Santa Rosa (empire running club) cost??
• March 20 2009, Pirates Cove Trail Run, Sausalito (pacific trail runs) $30 –TENTATIVE
• May 8, 2010, Human Race, Santa Rosa (volunteer center) cost??

Note that we are often charged $5 to $10 handling fees when we sign up for the races online.

We will be starting practice for the Boys Cross Country Team on Monday 8/31/09.  Unless you are otherwise notified, practices will be:

Mondays 4:30
Wednesdays 4:00
Fridays 4:30

Practices start from my house which is about 3 blocks from school (Mr. Abshire has the address).  I am currently planning for most practices to be about an hour and a half but that will vary.  All willing participants that are at least 12 years of age are accepted on the team.  Team members need to have a release on file with the school (talk to Mr. Abshire).  Myself and other adults will drive the members to practice sites.  As the seasons change there will be times that practices will end after dark. 

We will be competing in approximately 3 or 4 public races throughout the year.  The exact races have not been chosen yet.  Entrance fees for races are usually around $30.  As of right now I’m planning that team members will each pay their own fees, however if I get feedback that the members would like me to set up a fundraiser I will do so.

Appropriate dress for practice is running shoes, shorts and a t-shirt.  As the season changes, sweat pants and long sleeve t-shirts are appropriate.  Please note that skate shoes, basketball shoes and cross trainers are NOT running shoes.  Ideally each team member will have a pair of running shoes that are only used for running.  These shoes do not need to be expensive.  Please contact me for ideas about where to buy shoes inexpensively.

On days of practice and competition it is important to plan ahead with regard to eating and drinking.  All team members should be drinking water all day before all practices and competitions.  They should have good sized balanced meals early enough that there are at least 2 hours between the meal and running.  Do NOT show up for practice having just eaten (even if it was just a snack) and dehydrated.  Gum chewing is not allowed.

Please let me know if you have any other questions/concerns.

Brian Petro
(707) 585-2088
brian@bbaptist.org