Welcome to Barker Cross Country

 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and thank you for your interest in Cross Country at Barker. Barker has long been a very strong competitor in CAS Cross Country competition. It is my aim to not only maintain this standard but improve the profile of Cross Country at Barker by having as many boys and girls involved as possible.

 

The nature of CAS Cross Country competition is very team oriented with a points system designed to reward a good all round performance from a team rather than one strong individual performance. Cross Country at Barker has always been accessible to boys and girls of all abilities.

 

The Coaches stress the importance of the team and there is always a strong camaraderie among the athletes. Cross Country running provides a great opportunity to improve fitness and general well-being while being involved in exciting competition.

 

There are numerous opportunities for selection in representative teams. The first level is to be selected to run at the Combined Independent Schools Cross Country Carnival. Barker usually has many runners selected at this point. A good performance there leads on to State and then potentially National competition. There is also a CAS team selected to compete against GPS late in the season.

 

Each Saturday the Barker Cross Country Team races against CAS, GPS and other schools at a different venue and the spectators are usually spoilt by a cake and coffee stall provided by the host school. It is a great environment for families to socialise and watch the running.

 

Cross Country running has so many benefits, both physical and mental. I hope that you become involved in Barker Cross Country in 2009 and that it is a rewarding experience for you. I wish you every success in your endeavours. The other coaches and I will do our best to assist and encourage you.

 

Parents, there are lots of opportunities for you to become involved and help out. I hope that you will support and encourage your son and/or daughter this season.

 

We cater for those who are talented athletes wanting to achieve their best and also for those who feel that they could benefit from improving their general fitness and well-being.

 

Our goal is to introduce boys and girls of all abilities to the enjoyment and the physical and mental benefits of running at their own level.

 

I hope you are looking forward to to Season 2009 as much as I am!

 

 

Athletics - to visit the Barker Athletics site click here

 

Martin Williams
MIC Cross Country