Dear WXC parent

Dear parent,

First and foremost, thank you for your support of Whitney Cross-Country by allowing your child to participate. I write to assure you of your child's safety, and that their decision to run and compete as a good decision, as it is one of the best investments of their time in high school.

Regarding safety, the coaches are trained in CPR and first aid. As both were former athletes, they are aware of the common issues, such as overheating and shin splints, that come alongside distance running, and are educated to treat such as well. On runs, athletes are within eyesight of a coach, and a cell phone is always nearby.

The adult obesity attributable medical expenditures in our nation, per year, has been estimated to be over 75 billion dollars. Typically speaking, the physical health decisions and habits made in high school will carry on towards adulthood. By participating in Cross-Country, not only are these athletes experiencing the health benefits currently, but probably for the rest of their lives as well. Just to name a few benefits, your child will experience better weight management, cardio and cholesterol health, bone density, attention span/focus, and sleep rhythms.

Knowing that education and preparation for your child's next step in life is a big value of yours – your child's participation in Cross-Country is not in opposition to such, but rather it is complimentary. With colleges becoming more and more impacted, and acceptance rates at an all time low, extra-curricular activity is becoming more and more important.  More importantly, their time spent practicing and competing is an educational experience on important life skills that cannot be taught in the classroom. This includes and is not limited to: teamwork and leadership, social skills, growth in self-esteem and confidence, diligence and determination, time management, physical health issues, and courage.

Recently I was brought to tears reading about the Boston Marathon bombings. Certainly the deaths of 3 individuals was gripping, but what moved me the most was the stories of those who helped – the dozens of individuals who ran towards the explosion to move rubble and aid those who were bleeding out. These laymen, soldiers, and paramedics undoubtedly saved lives. It is easy to see courage in physical, life or death situations, but I've come to the conclusion that real courage occurs in our everyday life all the time. Everyday there are figurative explosions that go off. It takes courage to speak the truth or to have loving actions or to put in hard work. Courage is an essential skill in all stages in life, and what is severely lacking in this world.

Character traits do not occur appear all of a sudden. Sure, certain individuals start at a different point, but character is ultimately developed. So that raises the question, “how do we become more courageous?” Individuals become more courageous through practice, by making daily decisions to step into fear, and through faith in their abilities, make a courageous action. Distance running is the most gutsy sport around. The fear of the starting line and pistol. The mental battle during a competition – where a voice always seems to say, “you can't do it,” or “just give up.” Not to mention the daily workouts, where just hearing the workout is anxiety inducing, let alone making a conscious decision to do the workout.

These experiences builds character like none other. To have faith in their abilities in light of potential failure, and then to take that faith and really hold on to it, which leads to courageous action.

Thank you for allowing your child to participate in Whitney's Cross-Country program – it is a good decision and a great investment of their time.

Sincerely,