CROSS COUNTRY
NEWS UPDATES
I Am A Thunderbird Runner
I am a Thunderbird runner. I am the latest in a long line of champions. I am part of a family of winners that goes back five generations. I will do my absolute best to maintain the tradition and honor of being a member of Yucaipa High School’s most successful athletic program.
I will be inclusive. I embrace my teammates and I understand that it all isn’t about me. I will equally support the slowest T-Bird and the quickest. I understand that we are all in this together and the best way I can make my team better is to support all of my teammates.
I will look for the big picture. At times coaches will ask me to push beyond my comfort zone. I understand that they are helping me become a more successful athlete and person. At times I may be asked to sacrifice for the good of the team. I understand personal sacrifices often pay back the largest rewards.
I will be a rock for my teammates. My teammates will gain strength and courage from the example I set. I know that being a positive example will not only make me a better T-Bird, but it will help others along that path.
I will be a positive communicator. I will not hesitate sharing my positive feelings with my teammates and my coaches. Silence is not a virtue that leads to being a successful person or athlete. However, negative communication is the single fastest way to separate yourself from your teammates and your coaches.
I will encourage my teammates and myself. Lives change rapidly in an environment of love and encouragement. I will do my best to recognize positive traits in my teammates and myself. If I call attention to a negative attribute in others or myself, I have moved the team backwards.
I have faith. Without faith in my god, my family and my teammates, I have nothing. Faith will keep me moving forward when times are tough. Faith will sustain me when I can’t take another breath. I will be faithful to my teammates and to myself.
I am all in. For this extremely brief time in my life, I am 100% committed to my team. I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to the legacy of this amazing team. I will be a Thunderbird runner for the rest of my life.
-Mark Watkins
CIF Sports Physicals & Eligibility
Physical and insurance information are uploaded on the YHS Sports website link Athletic Clearance. This instructional video explains how to upload your physical and insurance information. You may attain a physical at the Yucaipa Urgent Care as a walk-in for a small fee.
Students may earn an academic award by maintaining an unweighted 3.5 GPA or better during the cross country season. To compete in our sport, students must remain academically eligible by maintaining a 2.0 GPA and less than 2 F grades.
Training Log
Please complete the training log for the month of June and early July. Turn it in to a coach on July 13th.
Summer Practice Schedule
On the days we do not meet, athletes should be getting 20-30 minute easy runs. Veteran runners should continue to slowly build mileage throughout time. If possible, add 2 days of 4 x 100 at the end of your run. If you have questions about training please contact Coach Carney or Coach Davis on the Band app.
CIF Dead Period: June 29 through July 11, during this time coaches are not allowed to meet with athletes. Please review the Band app to see which workouts to complete.
Official practice begins on Monday, July 13th at YHS at 6:00 AM at the YHS Track. We will be practicing Monday through Saturday for the remainder of the school year. Cross County camp will be held from July 20-26.
Why? Summer training is widely considered the "make or break" period for a cross country season. While cross country races don’t start until the end of August, the work you put in during June, July, and August provides the physiological and mental foundation necessary to handle the high-intensity racing and training of the fall season.
New Runner Training Plan
Summer Mileage Goals
These are weekly mileage goals to hit this summer to develop as a runner for your age group. Building and Maintaining mileage is an important stepping stone towards success in a cross country season. Building mileage during the 12 weeks of summer (June - August) maximizes a prolific racing season of 8+ weeks during September - November!
1st Race of the 2026 season!
2026 California state championships
365d
24h
60m
60s
365d
24h
60m
60s
WE RUN THIS TOWN!!!
