Cross Country Tryout Standards

Athletes will demonstrate themselves in four criteria when trying out for cross country. The standards of Time, Effort, Attitude, and Attendance are put in place to support a structured program that can provide the most guidance towards a successful season and career at Fairfax High School.

Time Trial Cutoff Times

Time trial standards are provided for both the 5k and 2mile. Those with race experience can use this as a gauge to make the team. To compete in varsity race, times will need to be highly competitive compared to team standards. Time trial performance will not be the sole factor when looking at cuts. 

Boys: 28 minutes for 5k (18 minutes estimated 2mile)

Varsity: ~18 minutes for 5k

Girls: 32 minutes for 5k (20 minutes estimated 2mile)

Varsity: ~21 minutes for 5k

Effort

Cross country has a significant team component, as well as challenging individuals directly and providing the opportunity to demonstrate progress towards their goals. Programming and periodization of the training plan will be suited to the athletes based on their training history, experience in the sport, and age. A consistent, high-quality effort is expected throughout the season, through challenges that may come but ultimately lead athletes to their best performances of the season. This commitment to invest in the season entirely leads into practice of quality work habits that apply to settings outside of the sport.

Attitude

As applicable to any sport, whether team or individual, attitude is a driving factor of the outcome of the season regardless of times ran on the course. As progress is not linear, athletes are expected to approach the year willing to work, take challenges head on and maintain a positive attitude will support both the team environment and program as a whole. This provides a foundation to develop resiliency for other aspects of life aside from sports and academics.

Attendance

Athletes are expected to be in attendance during all tryout dates in the two-week period for the duration of the provided time unless communicated extenuating circumstances to the head coach, where then an alternative tryout will be planned. All athletes are expected to participate in the time trial.