Each runner should think every day about why she is here.
If you do not know clearly why you are here, it will be too hard for you to reach your goals.

Consider these three questions:

1. Can we trust you? When you give your word that you will practice hard, will you?
   If you do not have character and integrity,
   what good will you be to yourself and your teammates?

2. Are you committed to excellence? Not everyone will be on the varsity, or participate in her first choice of events, or go to State. However, we do expect each of you to do her best and to be proud of that. As long as you develop yourself into the best person you can be, you will have achieved excellence no matter where you finish.

3. Do you care about the team? Of course, you must work to make yourself better, but also to make your teammates better. Encourage. Cheer. Compete in practice as well as at meets. A true leader/teammate lifts those around her to a higher level. Teamwork is nothing more than everyone's commitment to everyone else's success.

An examination of any losing situation will reveal people who lack confidence. They are petty, jealous, and negative. They pull others down to their level. If you see this, you must work to change this.

No one is born a winner or a loser. You are exactly what you think you are, nothing more or less. Have a positive attitude. What you are capable of doing is determined by your talent; what you actually do is determined by your attitude.

Success results from hard work and talent.

Our goals for this year's team are to win the Mid-State-Six Conference Championship again, to win Sectional again, and to send more girls to state. As coaches it is our job to help each of you to be your best. Everything we ask of you, and more, we demand of ourselves as well. There will be reminders coming your way as the season progresses to help you remember why we are here. Remember each of them and keep in mind that the road to being your best is long and difficult, but in the end the reward for doing a good job always makes it worthwhile.

Reminders:

1. Peoria Notre Dame does not provide insurance for athletes.

2. Practice begins at 3:00 PM. Be on time.
   If you need to see a teacher after school,
   please okay it with your coach first
   or bring a note to practice.
   If you need to miss practice,
   you must bring a note to your coach.

3. If you become ill during the school day, but do not go home early,
   you must see your coach personally before leaving.
   Do Not send messages to your coach
   through other students.

4. You are expected to attend all track meets in which you will compete
   and stay until the end.
   Weekday meets usually last about two hours.
   Friday and Saturday meets will last anywhere from
   three to six hours.

5. Peoria Notre Dame will provide transportation to meets outside Peoria.
   If you ride home with your parents after an away meet, that is fine,
   but please have your parents notify your coach.
   No one may go home with someone else unless she has signed the permission sheet that allows her to go home with someone else and has a note from her parents.
   This is for your safety.

6. Everyone is expected to cheer at meets.
   There should be no one sitting in the stands
   talking to friends while someone else on the team is competing.

7. Don't drink soda during the season. Cut back on junk food.
   Eat pasta, veggies, fruit. Drink lots of water.
   Get plenty of sleep.

8. Remember that it will be cooler at meets and at practice in the evening
   than it is in the middle of the day.

9. Whiners will not be tolerated. There should be no crying or pouting.
   Act with class!

10. Stretch before you go to bed and right away after you get up.
    Five minutes will really help.

11. Your personal belongings are yours to watch.
    Every year, your coaches collect piles of clothing
    and other gear.

12. Warmups and cooldowns are mandatory.

13. You are expected to be on your best behavior at all practices and meets.
    We are Peoria Notre Dame and we want people to respect us.
    Be proud of your school and your uniform.
    Do not disgrace your school, your coaches, or yourself.

14. Keep your grades up.
    Follow the Discipline Code.
    If you make mistakes, pay the consequences.