Liberty Results

What an excellent day for our first meet! Before posting times, I want to share some thoughts. First off, congratulations to all the athletes who ran today, you have done something that most people never even consider doing so that, in itself, is a reward. You should all be proud of yourselves. We started this journey over a month ago and it is so rewarding to see you race and to see you achieve this first goal. Now that we have raced our first meet, we can take stock in what we have accomplished and see where we still need work. What we accomplished: had 4 complete teams finish today, 34 athletes completing each race (and many dropping times from time trials) and 11 medal winners. We also ran smart, warmed up properly and worked as a TEAM- I heard many of you talking to each other as you worked up that last, long hill - EXCELLENT WORK.
Many of the things we need to work on will come as the season progresses but we can always improve. Some things we can work on immediately include pushing the limit, the whole race, the whole time - it is amazing what the human body can do when we train it correctly and expect it to perform. In order to train our bodies to respond to undertaking racing a 5K, we must first train our minds to believe - TRULY believe that we CAN do this. While racing, it is very easy to give in to our minds when it is telling us to stop running or to slow down because "Hey, this hurts." I believe in you, Coach Huff believes in you and MANY if not ALL of you are much, much stronger runners and better than you give yourselves credit. As coaches and spectators, we can encourage and might be there at that pivotal time in the race when you need us but - we might not be there and this is when you have to "dig deep" inside yourselves to push yourself harder, even when it feels like it is impossible, try saying this next time, "YES I CAN!" It is amazing what having a little faith in yourself can do for your time. Like I said, this confidence will grow as we race more but it never hurts to start now!

This week: NO PRACTICE Monday- but don't just sit on your booties - get out and run 3-5 miles. Tuesday - School practice, done by 4:30. Wednesday - Preview RAY PEC LATE DAY- ETA back at school - 6:30, Thursday - School Practice - finished by 4:30 - then, PASTA PARTY @ school. The athletes will just stay at school after practice and eat. ALL ATHLETES NEED TO BRING 1 DESSERT FOR THE PASTA PARTY, ALL other food will be provided. This is our BIG fundraiser - last year, we made $1200!!! Each athlete was given 5 tickets to sell @ $5.o0 each (CC athletes eat free). The money is due Tuesday. If any parents are available to come and help serve food, we would appreciate the help! If you can help, please e-mail me. The Pasta Party is from 5:00-7:30. Friday - pre-meet, finished by 4:15. Saturday - RAY PEC everyone who is physically able to run WILL run in this meet! It will be 2 races, varsity and one HUGE JV race with our 40+ JV girls.
11:15 Load bus and leave PHSouth
1:15 Coaches Meeting
1:30 JV Girls and Fr. Boys 3.1 Miles
2:00 JV Boys 3.1 Miles
2:30 Varsity Girls 3.1 Miles
3:00 Varsity Boys 3.1 Miles
5:00 ETA back at PHSouth
Please NOTE the time change from the original morning times. Please also make sure that athletes are still getting a good night's rest on Friday night. Just because we run later in the day DOES NOT MEAN you can stay up later Friday night. Athletes should still get up around 8:00 and eat breakfast, drink LOTS of water and have a light lunch or snack at 11:00 so they have energy to run at 1:30 or 2:30.
I will wrap this up now...times for Liberty are below: top 7 will run varsity @ Ray Pec.
Lizzy Jurries - 12:49 - 10th place varsity medal
Miranda Norfleet - 13:35 - 35th place, varsity medal

Lauren Black - 14:00
Miranda Henderson - 13:51 - 4th place - 10th grade medal
Kerry Maas - 14:13, 13th place, 10th grade medal
Logan Tucker-Nelson - 14:23, 18th place, JV medal
Jessica Hayes - 14:30, 9th place, 9th grade medal
Ellie Link - 14:38 10th grade medal
Anna Schaeffer - 14:49 - 10th grade medal
Mackenzie Capps - 15:03
Abby Werner - 15:06 10th grade medal
Amy Willsey - 15:08 - JV MEdal
Hanna Walsh - 15:23
Audrey Rothers - 15:25 - 9th grade medal
Evan Willsey - 15:32 - JV Medal
Erin Ringer - 15:32
Anna Gomes - 15:46
Kierstie Bischoff - 15:50
Regan Branchick - 15:51
Kelsey Sadler - 15:55
Hannah Carlson - 16:07
Jane Jackson -16:19
Hailey Stout - 16: 22
Jodi Hall - 16:43
Mairanne Buckmaster - 16:46
Laura Sickman - 16:59
Carley Eslick - 17:07
Jenna Allison - 17:08
Dana Willsey - 17:18
Maisie Baldwin - 17:30
Shanelle Kudera - 17:39
Jessica Waddle - 17:41
Chloe Jones - 17:55
Kelly Bowen - 18:55
SPECIAL THANKS TO: ALL of our teammate helpers who took times, stats and helped collect clothes at the starting line (Bailey Walter, Jamie Venzian, Elle Henning, Brooke Ruby and Katie Stezler) and those who came and cheered on their teammates Taylor Breen, Ashley Miller, Karlie Bischoff and Maggi Wolfe. Thanks to all the families who came out to cheer on their athletes and help support the team. Thanks again to the pasta party host families: Mass, Gomes, Hayes and Jones and to the families in charge of snack bags this week :Branchick, Schaeffer and Capps. Next week snack bags: Eslick, Hall and Lueth. HUGE thanks to Mike Ringer for all of the great pictures!!!

Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Uniform Information

ALL athletes will receive a team uniform TODAY at practice. These uniforms are BRAND NEW. We will share these uniforms with the girls track team and we would like them to stay looking like new for the next 3 seasons. In order to keep them presentable please remember : DO NOT DRY THEM!!! Drying the uniforms will shrink them and cause the graphic on the front to crack. The uniform shorts are designed as running shorts and therefore, have built in underwear in them. DO NOT cut these out of the uniforms shorts, as it will ruin them and cause them to be nearly see through. Each athlete is issued a uniform and is expected to turn in the same uniform and warm up at the end of the season. If ANY part of the uniform is lost or damaged, the ahtlete responsible will be fined the cost of that piece so we can replace it. Please help us take care of these items.
Thank you!!!

Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Snack Bag and Pasta Party List

Here is a list for the rest of the season on snack bags and pasta parties:
Snack Bags Liberty - Branchick, Schaeffer, Capps
Pasta Party - Maas, Gomes, Hayes, Jones
Snack Bags - Ray Pec - Lueth, Eslick, Hall
Pasta Party - At PHS
Snack Bags - Platte City - Gomes, Stout, Beeson
Pasta Party - NEED VOLUNTEERS
Snack Bags - Joplin - Bischoff
Snack Bags - Grandview - Werner, Sickman, Jackson
Pasta Party - Grandview - Bischoff, Hall, Link
KC Metro Snack Bags - Buckmaster, Wilson - need 1 more volunteer
KC METRO Pasta Party - NEED VOLUNTEERS
Conference Snack Bags - Wolfe, Jurries - need 1 more volunteer
Conference Pasta Party - NEED Volunteers
District Snack Bags - to Be determined
District Pasta Party - Barry, Ortiz (Boys' families)

Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Time Change for Ray Pec Meet September 12

I just received this information regarding the Ray Pec meet NEXT weekend. If your daughter will not be able to run due to the time change, please e-mail me. I realize that many families make out of town plans well ahead of schedule so if this is a conflict, please let me know immediately.
TIME SCHEDULE : Due to the ACT test, the Ray Pec Coaches have moved the starting times back to allow athletes the chance to test and race .
11:30 Load bus and leave PHSouth
1:15 Coaches Meeting
1:30 JV Girls and Fr. Boys 3.1 Miles
2:00 JV Boys 3.1 Miles
2:30 Varsity Girls 3.1 Miles
3:00 Varsity Boys 3.1 Miles
5:00 ETA back at PHSouth
Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

LIBERTY MEET PASTA PARTY INFORMATION

Park Hill South Cross Country Teams
After practices – Thursday, September 3, 2009

Hosting Families: Gomes, Hayes, Jones, Maas
3105 NW 57th Street, KCMO (816) 510-7860 (Anne Jetter Maas)

Located in the Sunpointe neighborhood on the east side of I29 at the 56th Street Exit. Proceed south on Roanridge to 56th Street. Turn left (east) onto 56th, turn left (north) onto Mayview (the next street over the hill), turn right (east) onto 57th Street (the next street over the hill), second house (grey) on the right.

Freshmen – Please bring cups Sophomores – Please bring brownies/cookies
Juniors – Please bring a six pack of water


Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

First Meet this Week! WOO HOO!!

Happy Sunday! I hope you all had an excellent weekend and enjoyed this unseasonable, gorgeous weather. The rest of the week looks like much of the same, cool temperatures. Monday - practice @ Macken Park - home by 5:00, Tuesday - on campus - finished by 4:30, Wednesday - preview Liberty course - home by 5:30, Thursday - on campus -finished by 4:30, Friday - premeet finished by- 4:15. Thursday night is our first pasta party, hosted by the Maas family. I will send home more information on that on WEDNESDAY. Saturday FIRST MEET @ Liberty - Stocksdale Park. Please see the directions posted on this site for the park. ALL meet spectators MUST pack at Schumacher Elementary school and take a shuttle bus to the park as there is not enough parking at the park for everyone. Please keep this in mind when you are planning your trip to the park. Also, it is an excellent idea to WEAR running shoes. Don't worry - we won't ask spectators to race but cross country races cover a large area of ground and it is a good idea to come prepared in tennis shoes- the grass is usually damp. It is also a good idea to wear or bring a jacket/sweatshirt/long-sleeved shirt as it is often cool in the morning when our first race starts. You can also bring camping chairs to sit in as you wait for your daughter's race to start but since Liberty requires riding a shuttle bus - I would hold off on the camping chair until our next race @ Ray Pec.
ALL athletes must be at school on Saturday morning at 6:00. Bus LEAVES @ 6:15!!! Yes, this is early but our 9th grade girls need to be at the course and ready by 7:00 so they can warm up properly.We WILL leave you if you are late!!! We also request that ALL athletes leave home football games at half time so they can go home and get to bed at a decent time. Please help us out and encourage your dauthers to be home by 9:00.
Athletes need to WEAR: the team uniforms and warm-ups (these will be issued this week) and RUNNING SHOES (no flip flops until after you race), our team t-shirt (we expect these to be in my Friday) and a smile - get excited - this is what you have been working hard to achieve!! Please pack a bag that includes: socks and extra socks so you have dry feet prior to your race, extra clothes to change into after you run- might want to pack some warm clothes as many athletes get chills after races; spikes - if you have them and want to run in them, water, your own snacks and Gatorade. Yes, you can warm up with an ipod but YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF IT! You are accountable for EVERYTHING you pack and bring to the meet - including your t-shirts, socks, uniforms and warm ups. If you misplace it - you will pay the fine for it! If you bring something from home and lose it - it is not the fault of your coaches!!!! Keep track of the things you bring and we will all be happy!
***Most races will also sell race t-shirts that usually run $10-$15. These are not mandatory to purchase but we know many of the athletes do purchase them - if you are interested, bring $$.
SCHEDULE:
6:15 - LEAVE PHS
9TH GIRLS - 8:00 A.M (20 medals). 9TH BOYS - 8:30 A.M.(20 medals)
10TH GIRLS – 8:55 A.M. (20 medals) 10TH BOYS – 9:25 A.M. (20 medals)
J.V. GIRLS – 9:50 A.M. (40 medals) J.V. BOYS – 10:20 A.M. (30 medals)
VARSITY GIRLS – 10:45 A.M. (30 medals) VARSITY BOYS – 11:15 A.M. (30 medals)
AWARDS – 11:45 A.M.
ETA back @ PHS - 1:00pm.
The following athletes will be running at Liberty - each athlete's name is followed by the race in which she will run. GOOD LUCK!!
Jenna Allison - 10th
Maisie Baldwin - 10th
Kierstie Bischoff - Varsity
Lauren Black - Varsity
Kelly Bowen - JV
Regan Branchick - JV
Marianne Buchmaster - 10
Mackenzie Capps - varsity
Hannah Carlson - 10
Carley Eslick - 9
Anna Gomes - 10
Jodi Hall - 9
Jessica Hayes - 9
Miranda Henderson - 10
Elle Henning - JV
Jane Jackson - JV
Chloe Jones - 10
Lizzy Jurries - varsity
Shanelle Kudera - 10
Ellie Link - 10
Crissy Lueth - JV
Kerry Mass - 10
Miranda Norfleet - varsity
DeeDee O'Toole - Varsity
Erin Ringer - 10
Lauren Rittman - 10
Audrey Rothers - 9
Kelsey Sadler - 10
Anna Schaeffer - 10
Laura Sickman - 10
Hailey Stout - 9
Logan Tucker-Nelson - JV
Jessica Waddle - 10
Hannah Walsh - varisty
Bailey Walter s- 9
Abby Werner - 10
Amy Willsey - JV
Dana Willsey - JV
Evan Willsey - JV
Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Pasta Party Example Flyer

If you decide to host a pasta party, please send me an e-mail with information like the example below. I can make copies at school and deliver them to the boys and girls teams

***EXAMPLE****
Platte City/Joplin Pasta Party
Wednesday, September 17th after practices (4:30)
1234 Spinnaker Pt in Riss Lake—1 mile in from either entrance and then all the way at the end of Spinnaker Pointe. Are you lost? Call: 123-4567
Hosted by families: Smith, Jones, Kline, Walker
Freshmen – Please bring desserts, Sophomores and Juniors – each bring 6 pack of water
Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Parent Information

Head Coach:
Pam Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us
School #359-6314
Home #686-1866

We believe that cross country should be fun! We believe that cross country challenges each athlete to perform to the best of her ability and helps build character. We believe that cross country is a team sport composed of individual athletes. We believe that each athlete has something to offer the program and each athlete will gain multiple strengths from the program. We will utilize each athlete’s strengths and improve on each athlete’s weaknesses. We believe that there are times that an individual athlete must make sacrifices for the betterment of the team. We believe that parental support is an important part of development and success in cross country. And finally, we believe that cross country builds the foundation for running as a lifetime sport and we are pleased to help build this foundation for each athlete.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible for participation in cross country this season, you must have earned 4 or more credits in the last semester and passed all 4 classes. Throughout the season, you must maintain a 2.5 grade point average. Last year, our TEAM GPA was a 3.6! That is awesome!!!!

Physical and Waivers: Each participant must have a completed physical prior to her first day of practice. The physical must be on file with the coach. Each participant must also have an off campus running form completed and on file with the coach.

Participation Fee: Each athlete must pay a participation fee required by the school district. This fee is a yearly fee and will cover any other sport you participate in this year at PHS. The fee is $45.00 and is paid to the Athletic Office.

Practice: Practice will start each day at 3:00. We will meet on the track for campus run days and on the bus for travel run days. A monthly calendar is handed out prior to the beginning of the month. Generally, Campus runs will end at 4:30 and off campus runs will last until 5:30, unless noted on the calendar. We will attempt to be outside for each practice. Bring appropriate clothing for all weather. All runners meeting the time trail cut off of 20 minutes will run in our first meet @ Liberty. After that, meet running will be determined by performance in practice or at pervious meets. Runners not meeting the 20 minute limit are more than welcomed to practice with the team on our non-travel days (usually Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.)


Practice and Meet Rules
Prior to competing in the first meet, each participant must have fourteen practices in record. This is in accordance with MSHSAA guidelines.

Attendance is mandatory! Each participant is expected to be at practice every day. If any participant has two unexcused absences, she is removed from the team and she must turn in her uniform. If you must miss practice, let Coach Lerch know ahead of time. We provide calendars far enough in advance to limit conflicts. If an emergency arises, please e-mail or call Coach Lerch at school or home.

Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. All athletes must have full length shirts and wear them at all times. At meets, participants must be in the cross country uniform provided by the school and the uniform must be worn as the manufacturer intended. If athletes choose to change after their races, they must be wearing appropriate clothing and preferably be in PHS CC gear. Uniforms must only be worn for competition.

Athletes will travel to and from competitions together. If an athlete misses the bus the morning of a meet, she is unable to participate in that meet. We will deal with extenuating circumstances on a case by case basis. Athletes may ride home with their parent or guardian at the completion of a meet. If an athlete chooses to do this, her parent or guardian must sign her out in our black binder. No one other than a parent or guardian can sign an athlete out from a meet.

Lettering Requirements
Varsity letters are given to those athletes who: have four years of active participation in PHS Cross County, have run in at least three varsity races this year, place in a scoring position in Conference, earn team points at a varsity meet.
Junior Varsity letters are given to those athletes who: place in a scoring position in conference, set a junior varsity or freshman record, place in scoring positions in at least three junior varsity meets.
Participation Awards will be given to anyone not meeting the criteria for either of the above and finishes the season with regular attendance.
We need your help!
We need help with meet snacks and pasta parties. We would like to have meet snacks at each meet. Pasta parties are held each week, usually the night before the meet. A sign up sheet is going around, please sign up if you can help. Feel free to join with other families to host a pasta party.

Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Time Trials

Time trials were held tonight at English Landing Park. Thank you to all the parents who made it out to watch their daughters participate. Please e-mail me or call me if you have any questions remaining from tonight.

Miranda Norfleet - 14:10

Lizzy Jurries - 14:18

Dee Dee O'Toole - 14:43

Lauren Black - 14:52

Mackenzie Caaps - 15:12

Chrissy Lueth - 15:17

Hannah Walsh - 15:18

Kierstie Bischoff - 15:20

Miranda Henderson - 15:23

Logan Tucker-Nelson - 15:30

Kerry Maas - 15:30.85

Anna Schaefffer - 15:35

Abby Werner - 15:36

Hannah Carlson - 15:37

Amy Willsey - 15:39

Jessica Hayes - 15:56

Evan Willsey - 16:27

Ellie Link - 16:29

Erin Ringer - 16:31

Jane Jackson - 16:31.8

Dana Willsey - 16:46

Regan Branchick - 16:55

Bailey Walter - 16:56

Anna Gomes - 17:01

Justine Froude - 17:05

Audrey Rothers - 17:11

Lauren Rittman - 17:54

Jodi Hall - 18:04

Hailey Stout - 18:11

Laura Sickman - 18:15

Chloe Jones - 18:21

Jessica Waddle - 18:30

Jenna Allison - 19:06

Jessica Froude - 19:11

Elle Henning - 19:14

Marianne Buckmaster - 19:17

Kelly Bowen - 19:24

Carley Eslick - 19:26

Shanelle Kudera - 19:33

Maisie Baldwin - 19:35

Allyse Edwards - 20:23

Lauren Gonner - 20:37

Rachel Schisler - 20:58

Brooke Ruby - 22:00

Emma Schlagenhauff - 22:14

Katie Stelzer - 23:14

Taylor Breen - 23:31

Karlie Bischoff - 23:42

Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us

Congratulations Academic Award Winners!

Congratulations to the 25 Academic Award Winners! Excellent job ladies!!!
Jenna Allison
Maisie Baldwin
Kierstie Bischoff - 3rd letter
Kelly Bowen - 3rd letter
Mackenzie Capps
Allyse Edwards - 2nd letter
Lauren Gonner - 2nd letter
Miranda Henderson
Elle Henning - 3rd letter
Jane Jackson - 3rd letter
Chloe Jones
Christina Lueth
Kerry Maas
Ashley Miller
Miranda Norfleet - 3rd letter
Erin Ringer
Lauren Rittman
Kelsey Sadler
Anna Schaeffer
Emma Schlagenhauff
Laura Sickman
Jessica Waddle
Abigail Werner
Amy Willsey - 3rd letter
Evan Willsey - 3rd letter
Dana Willsey - 3rd letter
Maggi Wolfe - 2nd letter
Coach Lerch
lerchp@parkhill.k12.mo.us