Want to run with the Jr. Wolfpack? Follow the steps below:
What is the Jr. Wolfpack?
The Jr. Wolfpack is a middle school Cross Country team associated with North Paulding High School in Dallas, GA.
This team is for rising 6th - 8th grade athletes that wish to participate in a sport that encourages teamwork, discipline, learning, and fun! Our mission is to introduce a love of running to young individuals by promoting sportsmanship, encouragement, balance, and community. Practices are held over the Summer (optional summer training) and throughout the Fall XC season to teach middle schoolers how to run in long-distance 2 mile races. Our athletes race 5-6 times throughout the Fall season, with plenty of opportunities to get faster and earn a new "PR," or Personal Record. A few select 8th graders are allowed to participate with the North Paulding High School XC Team on Junior Varsity, running 5K races in the Fall.
The Jr. Wolfpack relies on community coaches and dedicated parent volunteers to make this group "run" smoothly. We are looking forward to a great 2024 season! Please use the links above to register for this awesome opportunity.
This team is for rising 6th - 8th grade athletes that wish to participate in a sport that encourages teamwork, discipline, learning, and fun! Our mission is to introduce a love of running to young individuals by promoting sportsmanship, encouragement, balance, and community. Practices are held over the Summer (optional summer training) and throughout the Fall XC season to teach middle schoolers how to run in long-distance 2 mile races. Our athletes race 5-6 times throughout the Fall season, with plenty of opportunities to get faster and earn a new "PR," or Personal Record. A few select 8th graders are allowed to participate with the North Paulding High School XC Team on Junior Varsity, running 5K races in the Fall.
The Jr. Wolfpack relies on community coaches and dedicated parent volunteers to make this group "run" smoothly. We are looking forward to a great 2024 season! Please use the links above to register for this awesome opportunity.
What is Cross Country?
Cross Country is both a team and an individual sport. Most middle school races are run on a 3000m-3200m course, which is approximately 2 miles. Runners attempt to individually improve their times, but at the same time help their team be getting the best place possible. Each runner who crosses the finish line scores points for their team based on their individual place in the race (i.e. 1st place = 1 point, 10th place = 10 points, etc.). Each team then adds up their top 5 runners and the team with the lowest score wins. Everyone runs the same race, usually at the same time, although they typically separate the boys and the girls.
How much are dues?
The cost to run for the Jr. Wolfpack is $180 for new runners and only $130 for returners. This goes to pay for uniforms, t-shirts, entry fees, an end of year banquet. You can register by clicking the link above.
What will I need to participate?
Complete all steps listed above. We will not allow athletes to practice with us without submitting an updated physical.
- A good pair of running shoes (we recommend Big Peach Running Co. to have your feet and stride analyzed!)
- Comfortable athletic clothes, including appropriate socks
- A watch (does not have to be a GPS watch - a simple Timex Ironman chronometer (stopwatch) is inexpensive yet highly effective
- A water bottle
- Towel and/or yoga mat
- Positive attitude
- A good pair of running shoes (we recommend Big Peach Running Co. to have your feet and stride analyzed!)
- Comfortable athletic clothes, including appropriate socks
- A watch (does not have to be a GPS watch - a simple Timex Ironman chronometer (stopwatch) is inexpensive yet highly effective
- A water bottle
- Towel and/or yoga mat
- Positive attitude
What are some common terms?
PR—Personal Record. Running your fastest time on a distance, course, or at an age (for those of us older runners). “Jeremy McClung ran a PR at Region.”
Loop course—a course that basically follows a large circle. Some courses are 2 or 3 loop courses.
Strides—gradual acceleration to a sprint then a deceleration. These should be 75-100 meters in length and should be completed after a long run. They help with form and with speed.
Hydration—ensuring your body has enough water so that you can perform at your best. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can be avoided by proper hydration throughout the day - not just during practice.
Drills—form drills that help athletes with proper form, done after warming up. Some drills are for injury prevention.
Pacing—a term used to describe how fast or slow an athlete should run based on the type of workout they are asked to do. It may take a while for an athlete to learn how to pace themselves properly for a long-distance race (and that's okay!)
Overuse Injury—these include shin splints, plantar fasciitis, runner's knee, etc. and are typically caused by over-training, old or improper running shoes, and/or poor running form. Resting and Icing the area, along with other inflammation-reducing remedies (such as small doses of Ibuprofen) typically help alleviate the pain. It is important to keep the coaches informed and aware when experiencing any pain or discomfort while running so they may adjust your training accordingly.
Loop course—a course that basically follows a large circle. Some courses are 2 or 3 loop courses.
Strides—gradual acceleration to a sprint then a deceleration. These should be 75-100 meters in length and should be completed after a long run. They help with form and with speed.
Hydration—ensuring your body has enough water so that you can perform at your best. Dehydration and heat exhaustion can be avoided by proper hydration throughout the day - not just during practice.
Drills—form drills that help athletes with proper form, done after warming up. Some drills are for injury prevention.
Pacing—a term used to describe how fast or slow an athlete should run based on the type of workout they are asked to do. It may take a while for an athlete to learn how to pace themselves properly for a long-distance race (and that's okay!)
Overuse Injury—these include shin splints, plantar fasciitis, runner's knee, etc. and are typically caused by over-training, old or improper running shoes, and/or poor running form. Resting and Icing the area, along with other inflammation-reducing remedies (such as small doses of Ibuprofen) typically help alleviate the pain. It is important to keep the coaches informed and aware when experiencing any pain or discomfort while running so they may adjust your training accordingly.
2024 Season
Summer Runs
Join us at Allatoona Creek Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 AM to 10 AM during the months of June and July.
Fall Practices
Practices will take place at Sammy McClure Middle School on Mondays and Thursdays after school.
Race Schedule
Meets for Fall 2024 coming soon!