How do I join the WVUTC?
Click the "Join" tab above and follow the instructions there!
Do I have to compete/race?
No, the races you choose to do are totally up to you. As a student organization, we understand that not everyone has the time to train, travel, and compete whenever they want, and we don't expect that.
I am super out-of-shape, am I still allowed to join?
Absolutely, virtually everyone in the club started the same way! We have athletes of all abilities at practice. You will not be asked to do anything you cannot do.
Does the WVUTC compete in local races (i.e. road races, trail races)?
While we don't compete officially as a group at most of these events, many of our members do run them together, sometimes at a group discount. The exception to this is that in the spring semester all WVUTC members have the option to compete in the NIRCA Half Marathon (for free)!
What should I expect at practice?
It depends on the day and what events you do!
Generally, no matter the event, there will be harder workouts 2-3 times a week (depending on if there is a competition). You can't improve without these workouts, as much as we wish it weren't so!
What if I cannot attend practice due to my class schedule/work/etc?
We completely understand that certain things in life must take priority. However, we do not want anyone to enter competitions unprepared and risk injury. Our coaches are prepared to work with you to make sure you are still getting appropriate training, simply reach out to them and work out a training plan that caters to your schedule. This will likely mean that you will need to create a Strava account, so that the coaches can track/see your activities and progress!
How do I become eligible to compete?
The WVUTC has installed new guidelines for the 2021 - 2022 academic year, meant to help prevent injury and instill a better team atmosphere:
1. At least 10 days of practice must be attended before an athlete can be registered for a competition.
2. The week before a competition, the athlete must be present at at least two practices.
Other pre-existing guidelines:
- To be eligible for NIRCA XC Nationals, an athlete must of have competed in at least one XC race during the current season.
(As of now, no such guideline exists for NIRCA Track Nationals)
When will we know the finalized meet schedule? How often will we have meets? How do I sign up for them?
We do our best to make the schedule available as soon as possible, but sometimes that is a bit later than you may be used to if you competed in high school. Typically we will have the schedule out a few weeks before the first competition. In the past we have had about 5-7 meets for XC and around 7-9 for T&F (indoor and outdoor).
We will have signups for meets at practice a few weeks before them at practice. We will let everyone know before practice that we will have them. If for whatever reason you couldn't attend you will just contact an officer or coach and let them know!
Where/who do I turn my forms and cash dues in?
You can bring them to either practice or to our meetings! However we must have your forms before you can practice with us.