Edwardsville XC and Track & Field Boosters

Help needed at upcoming home meets; e-mail Vickie Maxwell to volunteer for concessions, admissions

2010-04-08T07:08:00.009-05:00

Parents,
As you can see from the signup list below, we are in need of some help with the concession stand and admissions gate at home meets. Below is a list of dates that we need people. If you can help please e-mail Vickie at trmaxwell@charter.net

April 14th 4:00-7:00 Girls Meet -13 Teams
Concessions: Admissions:
1. Janice Collins 1._________________
2.Phyliss Anderson 2._________________
3.Lisa Mulhall 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________
5.______________
6.______________
April 21st 4:00-7:00 Boys Meet-8 Teams
Concessions: Admissions:
1. Karen Colligan 1._________________
2.Kathy Miller 2._________________
3.______________ 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________
5.______________

April 23rd 4:00-6:00 Girls Meet-7 Teams
Concessions: Admissions:
1.Larketta Patterson-Johnson 1._________________
2.Robert Johnson 2._________________
3.Anne Carrera 3.________________
4.Donna Ceglinski 4.________________

May 3rd 4:00-7:00 Girls Meet-2 Teams
Concessions: Admissions:
1. _____________ 1._________________
2._____________ 2._________________
3.______________ 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________

May 10th 4:00-7:00 Boys Meet-3 Teams
Concessions: Admissions:
1Kathy Miller 1._________________
2.Susan Weshinskey 2._________________
3.Lori Compton 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________

May 11th 12:00-6:00? (Time has not been finalized) Middle School Conference Meet at Lincoln Middle School
Concessions:
12:00-3:00 3:00-6:00
1. _____________ 1_________________
2._____________ 2._________________
3.______________ 3.__________________
4.______________ 4._________________
5.______________ 5.__________________

May 15th 9:00-5:00? (Time has not been finalized) Middle School Sectionals at EHS
Concessions: 9:00-1:00 1:00-5:00
1. _____________ 1._________________
2._______________ 2._________________
3.______________ 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________
5.______________ 5._________________
6._______________ 6._________________
Admissions: 8:30-11:00 11:00-1:30
1.________________ 1.__________________
2.________________ 2.__________________
3.________________ 3.__________________
4.________________ 4.__________________

The Lutheran Schools will be hosting two meets at the EHS track and we will be providing the concession stand. If you can help on these dates please let me know.
April 22nd - after school (Time has not been finalized)
1._________________ 6.________________
2._________________ 7.________________
3.________________
4.________________
5.________________

May 8th - 9:00-4:00
9:00-12:30 12:30-4:00
1. ____________ 1._________________
2._____________ 2._________________
3.______________ 3.________________
4.______________ 4.________________
5.______________ 5.________________
6._______________ 6.________________

Help Needed for Fundraiser this Weekend

2009-05-13T13:05:00.001-05:00

Message from EHS Track Coach George Patrylak:

Parents,

I need volunteers to help sell raffle tickets for our fundraiser this week at the Conoco gas station on route 159 and Main Street in Glen Carbon. The following is a list of available times. Please e-mail me if one will work. Also, we will try to sell tickets at the Conference Meet today and Middle School Sectional Meet Saturday. While at the track, we will run a special.......anyone who buys $10 worth of tickets can choose a meet t-shirt from a previous event.

Friday, May 15:
12:00 p.m.--1:00 p.m. Tom Atwood
1:00 p.m.--2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.--4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.--5:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.--7:00 p.m.: Coach Patrylak

Saturday, May 16:
10:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.--1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.--2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.: Diane Dudding

Thank you in advance for your help. I know that the coaching staff can not cover any of the times on Saturday due to our commitment to help run the Sectional Meet.

Girl and Boy athletes not competing at Sectionals are encouraged to sign up for times, too. Remember, all proceeds will go to the Booster Club, meaning it will be spent on Lincoln, Liberty, and EHS programs.

Thank you for your time and dedication to our teams.

Coach P.

Booster club meeting postponed by rescheduled SW Relays

2009-03-30T11:53:00.004-06:00

Due to the rescheduling of the SW Relays, Tuesday's meeting of the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled. We will probably meet the week after spring break.

Rain forces postponement of SW Relays; booster club volunteers needed next week when meet is rescheduled

2009-03-28T09:30:00.003-06:00

EHS boys track coach Chad Lakatos tells coach from Madison that bad weather has forced postponement of the Southwestern Illinois Relays until next week. Photo/Tom Atwood

The wet track at EHS and a forecast of rain throughout the day cancelled the SW Relays Saturday. Photo/Tom Atwood

Minutes posted from March 3; next booster club meeting 6:30 p.m. March 31 at Tiger Country

2009-03-09T10:13:00.003-06:00

Edwardsville Track & Field/Cross-Country Booster Club
Meeting Minutes, Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Meeting was called to order by President Randy Dunn at 6:38pm

Treasurer’s Report (Treasurer: Lee Speicher)
• Current Balance is approximately $9000
• District 7 (Assistant Superintendent Dave Courtney) has requested that all district booster clubs apply for their own General Liability Insurance and has arranged a group rate of $175 through PTO Today. Lee will apply for the insurance and inform the other officers and Susie Miller at Hadley House when completed.
• District 7 (Assistant Superintendent Dave Courtney) has requested that all district booster clubs apply for their own tax id number with the IRS rather than using the id for District 7. The forms were forwarded to the officers by Susie Miller from Hadley House. Lee has asked Susie how this will affect our tax exemption status. Lee will complete the forms and inform the other officers and Susie Miller at Hadley House when completed.
.
Old Business
1. President Randy Dunn reported that we are still in need of a Booster Club secretary and Vice-President for Track season. Conversation followed concerning the responsibilities for each position. Diana Speicher agreed to act as secretary. Randy Dunn will contact Kathy Miller and Phyllis Fisher regarding EHS Boys Track and EHS Girls Track, respectively.

2. Randy Dunn reported that he has a meeting scheduled with Dr. Hightower at Hadley House on Thursday, March 5, at 4:30pm. The following items from our previous meetings will be discussed.
• Need for EHS Girls Track Uniforms:
The girls’ uniforms are four years old and we no longer have enough uniforms of one style to outfit the entire squad, so the team will have to use multiple uniform styles and the uniforms are very faded and many have shrunk due to repeated washings.
• Would like funds to provide medals to Track Athletes that scored in positions 1-5 at EHS hosted Invitationals and Relay events (total of 5). We would also like to award a plaque to the first and second place teams.
• Condition of Mud Mountain Course at SIUE
• Stipend for Coach Bailey
• Additional Speed Suits for Boys Sprint team since team has grown to 50+ an additional 10 suits will be required. The suits cost $70/each.
• Family Fun Run proposed for the summer
• Progress made by Coach Lakatos and other District coaches on providing the proper equipment to Lincoln so that they can host their own meets this year (moving hurdles from EHS and updating the discus and shotput areas). There was an additional concern raised regarding the permanent marks made for hurdle placement but the coaches will devise a workaround.
• Long term planning for lights around the track
• A very big thank you to Dr. Hightower and the district for their ongoing support of the track & field and cross-country programs and facilities.

New Business

Email Addresses: Tom Atwood requested that the coaching staff try to obtain email addresses of parents to enable better communication for soliciting volunteers required for EHS hosted meets. Tom will draft a letter to be sent home by Coach Lakatos and Coach Chapman. To encourage the timely return of information, the booster club will sponsor a drawing; all returned forms will be entered into a drawing from which a $25 cash prize will be awarded to one girl athlete and one boy athlete from the returned forms. Each athlete can only be entered once!

Committee Report – Mud Mountain
Committee Chair, Tom Atwood, reported on the results of a sub-committee held on Monday, February 2, 2009.

Race Fee Proposal
• Age 18 and Over: Pre-registration fee of $20, Race-Day Registration of $25
• Students: $15 fee for Pre-registration and Race-Day Registration
• Age 10 & Under: $5 Fee for Fun Run only

Sponsor Levels & Recognition
• Bronze Sponsors: $100-$300 Donation: Name on Flyer and sponsor website page
• Silver Sponsor: $300-$500 Donation: Name on T-Shirt, Sponsor of the Day on website main page, Name on Flyer and sponsor website page
• Gold Sponsor: $500 & Above Donation: Sign on Course, Name on T-Shirt, Sponsor of the Day on website main page, Name on Flyer and sponsor website page

A motion was made by Val Sweatt and seconded by Sally Atwood to accept the Race Fees and Sponsor levels as proposed by the committee. The motion carried.

Coach Report - Coach Lakatos

Boys Travel to Plainfield: As previously discussed at the January meeting, Coach Lakatos has made arrangements for approximately 28 members of the EHS Boys’ team to travel to Plainfield for an indoor meet on March 14th. Rooms have been reserved at a rate of $52.99/night, for an approximate total of $600. A motion to approve the payment was made by Tom Atwood and seconded by Sally Atwood. The motion carried.

Southwest Relays: Event is scheduled for Saturday, March 28th. SIUE can not host the meet again this year. Coach Lakatos has been in discussed with Mr. Bevis regarding hosting the meet at EHS. Although this meet conflicts with the Indoor State, the club felt as though we could provide enough volunteers (after a mild panic that Val Sweatt would be in Bloomington to watch Indoor State!).
• Coach Lakatos will confirm with Mr. Bevis
• Coach Chapman will contact Matt Rogers at Lincoln concerning computerized scoring
• Volunteers will be needed for concessions, scoring, timing, recording, announcing.
• Coach Lakatos and Coach Chapman to provide additional details regarding number of volunteers required and times.

EHS Boys Team reaches 120: The EHS Boys track team now has the highest number of athletes of any sport in the school!

Medals and Team Plaques: Coach Lakatos would like to begin a new tradition of awarding medals to Track Athletes that score in positions 1-5 at EHS hosted Invitationals and Relay events (total of 5). We would also like to award a plaque to the first and second place teams. This is a practice employed at invitationals and significant relay events hosted by other schools. This will be included in our meeting with Dr. Hightower on Thursday.

Coach Report - Coach Chapman

Girls Travel to Carbondale Friday: The EHS girls’ team will compete in their first meet this Friday, March 6. The meet is scheduled for 4:00pm thus requiring a tight travel schedule with little time to eat! The girls have been instructed to bring healthy lunches and Coach Chapman is going to purchase some food to make sandwiches.

A motion was made by Tom Atwood to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Sally Atwood. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm.

Next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Tiger Country.

Respectfully Submitted:
Diana Speicher

Booster Club elects officers

2009-01-19T20:27:00.002-06:00

The Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Boosters met on Tuesday, January 13 and elected some officers for the new year. Here are the minutes from that meeting:

XCTF Booster Club Meeting Minutes 1-13-09
Tiger Country meeting room

1. Officers elected:
a. President Randy Dunn
b. VP for Cross Country Larry and Lisa Thompson
c. VP Track & Field Open
d. Treasurer Lee Speicher
e. Secretary Open
f. Mud Mtn Coordinator Tom Atwood
Monica Laurent has expressed an interest to assist with Mud Mtn
g. Concessions Chairs Val Sweat and Vicki Maxwell

2. Treasurer Report
Spreadsheet handed out. $11,000 balance with only minor expenses outstanding.

3. Mud Mountain
a. Date: July 25th
b. Chip Timing was approved for Mud Mountain
c. List of Fundraisers to be completed in next 2 weeks

4. Suggestion made by Randy Dunn for “work outlines” to be completed for meets and other
events (ie tasks and number of people needed to complete each task). Goal is to have people
sign up for various duties early in season.

5. Meeting for officers to be scheduled for discussion of by-laws of booster club.

6. Coach Chapman discussed the need for new girls uniforms for track. Currently using two
different uniforms which are worn. Concerns were stated about many of the tops showing too
much of the midsection.

7. Coach Lakatos announced he has set up a new web page for Track and Field with the schedule
of meets and other information. The following is the link:
http://www.ecusd7.org/homepages/ehsstaff/clakatos/

8. Funds for rooms for one night for two events were approved. May 2nd overnite meet and a
coaches training session in Decatur.

9. Funds were also approved for purchase of candy for candy sale. Parental support will be
requested for the noon hour candy sales.

10. Coach Lakatos expressed an interest in having the members of the track team participate in
community services. He requested ideas.

11. Discussion of possible fund raising/activities to promote track and field/running and showcase
the complex.

12. Discussion of the need for more hurdles.

13. Discussion of the need for new uniforms for middle school.

14. Discussion on possible stipend for Assistant Coach Bailey. Currently, no funds for a stipend
have been approved. Coach Bailey assists with jumping and hurdling events. He adds a lot of
expertise and success in these areas.

15. Coach Patrylak received the Coach of the Year for Cross Country for Division 2A of the
southern division for IL. Coach Lakatos has also been awarded Coach of the Year for track and
field for Division 1A of the southern division of IL.

16. Next Booster Club meeting is Tuesday, February 10th at 6:30PM. Place to be announced.

Help needed at Tiger Finale Monday

2008-10-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

The Tiger Finale Cross Country meet is this coming Monday, 10-20 with the first race at 4:00PM. Coach Patrylak is planning on doing some set up on Sunday, 10-19. He is not sure of the time but said to check his blog (coach's notes on mudmountain.org) for a time if you wish to help.

On Monday help will be needed in the following areas:

1. Setting up the finish line and tents. Plan to arrive at 2:30 PM.

2. Concessions. Plan to arrive from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

3. Chute. Plan to arrive at 3:30 PM. Check in with Larry that you will be helping.

Again, it is helpful to have enough volunteers at concessions and at the chute for the various races so parents are able to watch their runner(s).

Thanks in advance for volunteering,

Lisa Thompson

Booster Club Meeting Tuesday Sept 30

2008-09-29T20:41:00.004-05:00

Members of the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 30. The meeting will be held upstairs at Tiger Country, next to the EHS track. Among other issues, preparations for end-of-season banquets will be discussed. See you there!

XCTF Booster Club Agenda for 9/30/08

I. Welcome/ Sign In/ Introductions

II. Secretary’s Report

III. Treasurer’s Report
a. Expenditure data
b. Mud Mountain profit

IV. Back up Scorer

V. Banquet
a. Where?
b. When?

VI. Mud Mountain Flyer (for fund raising)

VII. Mass Email
a. Middle School and High School together or separate?
b. Coaches - Next year it would be helpful to get roster information including email addresses for booster club communications

VIII. Food and Drinks at Away Meets.

IX. Update website for joining booster club

X. Coaches requests/updates

XI. Set date for next booster club meeting

XII. Set date for Executive Committee to meet to review by-laws, etc.

Help needed for Edwardsville Invitational Saturday September 20

2008-09-15T06:25:00.004-05:00

Booster club volunteers help in the chute at last week's Tiger Fall Classic.

Thanks to everyone who helped at the Tiger Fall Classic last week. We have a big home meet coming up at 9 a.m. this Saturday, the Edwardsville Invitational. If you can volunteer for set up, concessions, the chute, or clean up, please contact Lisa Thompson (lilathompson@charter.net). Also, concessions is running low on Gatorade. We are asking each family in the booster club to donate one case of Gatorade during the season--if you haven't already, now would be a good time. Either bring it to the course on Saturday, or contact Val Sweatt (vls2262@sbcglobal.net).

Here's a volunteer schedule for the Edwardsville Invitational this weekend:

Friday 5 pm • course preparation (flags, painting)
Saturday 6:30 am • set up (tents, cones, finish line, etc)
Saturday 7 am - 11:30 am • concessions
Saturday 8:30 am 'til end of meet • chute
Saturday after meet • clean up

Again, thanks for your help. See you this weekend!

Tom Atwood

Booster Club Meeting Monday, July 15; Mud Mountain volunteers to be assigned

2008-07-10T07:24:00.000-05:00

With Mud Mountain little more than 2 weeks away, the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club will meet next week to assign volunteers for race day. The meeting will be held in the Media Center (Library) at Edwardsville High School on Monday, July 15 at 6:30 pm. All booster club members are urged to attend.

Cross Country Picnic This Saturday

2008-07-08T07:40:00.002-05:00

The annual cross country picnic for all Edwardsville cross-country runners and their families will be held this Saturday, July 12, at Glik Park. The picnic begins at 11 am with a cookout at the park, and features sand volleyball until 2 pm.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided by the Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club. Families whose last names begin with letters A-L should bring salads or side dishes; families whose last names begin with M-Z should bring chips or desserts.

Each family is also asked to donate one 24-pack of Gatorade for concessions during the cross-country season. The Gatorade can be dropped off at the picnic.

This event is for middle school and high school cross country families. It traditionally kicks off the cross-country season, and is also where parents can sign up to volunteer for Mud Mountain XIII, the fundraising race for Edwardsville's cross country and track & field programs.

See you there!

Mud Mountain Committee Meets Tonight

2008-06-30T09:37:00.001-05:00

Just a reminder, the Mud Mountain committee will meet briefly tonight at 6:30 pm at Imo's. The meeting shouldn't last very long, but there are a couple of important items we need to discuss. One is a contract received from the Edwardsville Fire Department for the ambulance and paramedics. We also need to distribute posters that have been printed to publicize the race. Other items on the agenda: T-shirt design, revised sponsor list, flyers, and registration update. See you there. Thanks!

Posters to promote Mud Mountain unveiled at planning meeting

2008-06-24T07:49:00.001-05:00

Posters to promote Mud Mountain XIII were unveiled at last night's meeting of the Mud Mountain committee. The posters will feature photos from previous races, and will be posted at high traffic businesses in the area. The committee also decided to mail entry forms to runners who entered the 2007 race, and to email entries to previous online registrants.

Help needed at middle school conference meet

2008-04-22T07:18:00.001-05:00

Lincoln Track Coach Matt Rogers is putting out a desperate plea for help at this week's middle school conference meet, hosted by Lincoln at Liberty Middle School on Thursday April 24 at 1:30 pm. Coach Rogers' wife is being induced tomorrow, so he will not be able to attend the meet, and is asking for any booster club parents (middle school or high school) to please help out with field events, and as timers. If you are able to volunteer this Thursday, please contact Lincoln coach Courtney Hochuli at chochuli@ecusd7.org, or show up at the meet between 1:15 and 1:30 pm.

Any help that you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Scenes from a county meet

2008-04-22T00:06:00.004-05:00

PRODUCED BY TOM ATWOOD
MUSIC: “SONG OF FORGOTTEN SORROW”
WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY TOM ATWOOD
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM MADISON COUNTY MEET
EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER HIGH SCHOOL, APRIL 21, 2008
© 2008 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Thanks to volunteers

2008-03-26T12:15:00.002-06:00

Thank you to all of the parents and volunteers that helped out on Tuesday with our Triangular Meet against Cahokia and Belleville East. It is your support and dedication that help us to be so successful and maintain such high level of meets. Trust me, there is no way to express how much coaches appreciate being able to coach and spend time with their athletes then run events and time. Everyone did a great job and I greatly appreciate the help!

--Coach Patrylak

Timers, field assistants needed for home meet tomorrow

2008-03-24T08:18:00.002-06:00

The EHS Boy's Track and Field Team will host their first home track meet for the 2008 season. We are scheduled to start at 4:00. We are looking for any parents willing to assist with timing or working field events. We have three teams competing and need to cover the triple jump, long jump, high jump, pole vault, shot, and possibly discus. We also have 6 timing spots to cover. Any parents who can lend a hand, your help is appreciated. Please email or call Coach Patrylak if you are available. Email: gpatrylak@ecusd7.org. Telephone: 567-5792. Thank you in advance for your help and we hope to see you Tuesday.

Coach P.

Booster Club to meet April 2

2008-03-22T05:48:00.001-06:00

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 2, and Wednesday, May 7, for Track & Field Booster Club meetings. The meetings will begin at 6:30 and are open to parents of EHS and middle school track & field athletes.

The meetings are tentatively scheduled to be held in the new Tiger Country building behind the High School (building next to the track), but a confirming email will be sent regarding the meeting location.

Diana Speicher
VP/Track & Field

Help Needed at SW Illinois Relays

2008-03-21T08:29:00.003-06:00

We need help at the Southwestern Illinois Relays tomorrow--parents that can serve as timers and as field assistants. Originally, SIUE was going to provide volunteers, but since the meet has been moved to Belleville West High School, NCAA rules prohibit the university from co-sponsoring the event.

So, if you are able to help with timing relays, or as an assistant in field events, please contact Coach Patrylak and let him know. He is asking volunteers to meet him at Belleville West for assignments around 9 am tomorrow (Saturday, March 22).

Here are Coach Patrylak's numbers:
344-7040 (home)
567-5792 (cell)

This is a large meet, with more than 10 schools expected. Please help if you can. Thanks.

Track & Field Webpage now active

2008-03-13T08:49:00.005-06:00

The Edwardsville Track & Field website is now active and linked to mudmountain.org. If you need information about track schedules or news from the track coaches (at Lincoln, Liberty or EHS) you can go to www.mudmountain.org and link to the track & field website. Or you can visit it directly using the link below. It will also be linked to the booster club webpage, and to Photo of the Day.

Dr. Hightower has also established a link to www.mudmountain.org on the athletic page on the EHS website. The mudmountain.org website can be accessed by clicking on the "track & field" and "cross country" buttons on the main athletic page.

When you get a chance, take a look at the track & field webpage. Let me know if all the links work or if you see any other problems. Thanks.

Here's the direct link: Edwardsville Track & Field

Tigers girls win Jacksonville indoor meet

2008-03-08T19:30:00.003-06:00

Kelsey Baumgartner medals in the 55 meter dash at Illinois College Saturday.
Photo/Tom Atwood (click image to enlarge)

Preview the New Track and Field Website

2008-03-07T08:02:00.002-06:00

The new Edwardsville Track & Field website will be up and running soon, but you can get a sneak preview by clicking on the link below. Take a look. The site will feature schedules, meet results, and important information for athletes and parents from the coaches (at Liberty, Lincoln and EHS). Links to the coach's notes will also be included on Booster Club website (under "Important Links.")

Take explore the new track and field site, click on the preview link below:

Edwardsville Track & Field Website

Photo of the Day Returns

2008-03-01T22:06:00.002-06:00

Courtney Smith and Liz Speicher cheer Tiger teammate Lia Saunders to a 2nd-place finish in the 800 meter open race at Eastern Illinois University Saturday.
Photo by Tom Atwood (click image to enlarge)

With this rather unremarkable snapshot, Photo of the Day returns after a winter vacation. The lighting at EIU's Lantz Fieldhouse was not good. But, the photos can only get better from here. To make sure we get as many different Edwardsville athletes as possible on this site, please send in snapshots of your favorite track stars. EHS, Liberty, or Lincoln. Email them to tom@tomatwood.net. And check each day to see who is the Photo of the Day.

Mud Mountain Sponsors Video

2007-12-24T14:52:00.000-06:00

Video produced for Mud Mountain sponsor packets.

Dunn elected president of 2008 booster club

2007-12-20T11:03:00.000-06:00

Randy Dunn flips burgers at Granite City Invite.

Members of the new combined Edwardsville XC and Track and Field Booster Club have elected Randy Dunn president. Dunn's son Greg is a sophomore who runs cross country and track. The club met last night and
also elected the following officers for 2008:

Lisa and Larry Thompson - Co-Vice Presidents for Cross Country.
Diana Speicher - Vice President for Track and Field.
Tom Atwood - Vice President of Mud Mountain XIII.
Lee Speicher - Treasurer.
Monica Laurent - Secretary.

Committee assignments were discussed, along with early preparations for Mud Mountain XIII, the 5K fundraising race held each summer. Complete minutes from the meeting are included below:

Meeting Date: December 19, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Diana Speicher at 7:05 p.m.
In attendance: Diana & Lee Speicher, Tom & Sally Atwood, Kathy & Mike Wever, Randy Dunn, Vicki Maxwell, Val Sweatt, Jeanne Cullen, Ann Kates, Mal Goldsmith, George Patrylak, Steve Chapman, Mitch Wilson.

Approval of Minutes: No minutes were provided

Treasurer’s Report
Lee Speicher reported a balance of $3,743.36 in the cross-country checking account.
Diana Speicher reported an approximate balance of $3000 in the track & field checking account, exact amount will be verified by the next Executive Board meeting.

Mud-Mountain Report
Tom Atwood reported that the search for sponsors needs to be kicked off in January. He asked for volunteers to serve on the Mud Mountain Executive Committee. The following individuals volunteered: Mal Goldsmith (Sponsors), Mike & Kathy Wever, Vicki Maxwell, and Jeanne Cullen (1st Aid preparations).

Randy Dunn also discussed presenting information concerning Mud Mountain to the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Rotary Club. Tom Atwood is working on a “marketing” video for the event, and Coach Patrylak will put together some information regarding participation. Randy also mentioned that one of our Mud-Mountain t-shirts was spotted on Craig Virgin at a race in Michigan and a local sponsor was contacted!

New Business
• Election of Officers
The following officers were elected for the period of January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Motion was made by Mike Wever, second was made by Ann Kates.
President - Randy Dunn
Vice President of XC - Lisa & Larry Thompson
Vice President of Track - Diana Speicher
Vice President of Mud Mountain - Tom Atwood
Treasurer - Lee Speicher
Secretary - Monica Laurent

In addition, the following individual agreed to serve on as Committee Chairperson:
Concessions – Val Sweatt
Banquets – Stephanie Cann will chair the XC Banquet, Tom Atwood will follow-up with Stephanie to see if she’ll serve as the Banquets Chair.
XC Meet Set-Up – Kevin Cullen can help get meets set-up but has to report to work at 3:00pm so he can not serve as chair.
• Discussion Concerning Ideas for By-Laws and Communications
• Insert Standing committees into the new by-laws
• Ask each Booster Club member to serve on one of the committees
• Ask members to sign up to help at meets at the summer picnic
• Ask Coaches to obtain emails from parents when getting student contact information
• Send home a “Cross-Country for Dummies” and “Track & Field for Dummies” information sheets to middle school parents that describe the sports and the helps that is required at meets.
• Make personal contacts by phone
• Sell advertising space on our website?
Old Business
• Trainers: Continued concern over the availability of trainers at Cross-Country and upcoming track meets. Will discuss with Dr. Hightower whenever an executive committee meeting is scheduled with him. Randy Dunn took action to schedule a meeting with Dr. Hightower.
• Equipment : Coach Wilson indicated that the hurdles at the high school need to be replaced on a rotational cycle. He has investigated a new type of hurdle that is more easily stacked and can be custom painted (school colors/mascot/name). Also, the top pad for the pole vault pit needs to be replaced, it is a safety concern. Coach Bevis had looked into pricing options for the replacement last season, Coach Wilson will discuss with him. The coaches will assemble a list of equipment replacement needs and we will discuss the needs with Dr. Hightower and Mr. Dougherty to validate the responsibility of the district versus the Booster club.
• Booster Club Purpose: Additional discussion over the understanding of our booster club direction/purpose based on a meeting held this past fall with Dr. Hightower. Randy Dunn will schedule a meeting with Dr. Hightower so that the executive board can ensure that the Booster Club by-laws and purpose reflect the needs of the District to support our student-athletes.
Committee Reports
• Concessions
• Communications
• Banquets
• Promotional Event for Track
• Randy Dunn reported that he had briefly discussed this event with John Dean who indicated some interest in helping. Steve Chapman took the action to contact John, Pete Evans and Babe Stahlhut to see if they would be interested in serving on this committee.
• We need to be sure that we don’t overlap with the Alton Road Runners’ series at Wood River High School.

A meeting notice will be sent to discuss this event. Diana Speicher will take the lead to get a committee started.

Coaches Report
Coach Patrylak reported the following coaching assignments for the upcoming track season.
George Patrylak – Head Boys Coach
Mitch Wilson – Assistant Boys Coach (Throws)
Steve Chapman – Head Girls Coach
Rich Skirball – Assistant Girls Coach
Julie Check – Assistant Girls Coach

Coach Patrylak indicated that the District also has a great lead on a jumps coach. Coach Patrylak and Coach Chapman indicated that they will be trying to share skill coach resources (jumps, throws, pole vault) during practices.

Coach Wilson reported that the IHSA had changed guidelines regarding the throwing competition area and that District had ordered additional poles and a new net to comply with the guidelines. In addition, the throwing area has been modified so that the kids won’t be throwing uphill and Coach Wilson is checking on having limestone or some other type of surface put over the mud in the throws area.
Action Item Summary:
1. Diana Speicher to obtain Track & Field financial records from former treasurer.
2. Tom Atwood to work on video presentation to “market” Mud Mountain
3. Randy Dunn to schedule meeting with Rotary Club for Mud Mountain sponsorship.
4. Tom Atwood to schedule Mud Mountain committee meeting for January.
5. Tom Atwood to contact Stephanie Cann about chairing Banquets committee.
6. Randy Dunn to schedule meeting with Dr. Hightower and Executive Committee
7. Steve Chapman will contact John Dean, Pete Evans and Babe Stahlhut about track event.
8. Diana Speicher will schedule committee meeting for track event.
9. Coaches will prepare equipment needs list.
Next Meeting
To be scheduled

Motion to adjourn was made at 8:30 pm and approved on a unanimous vote.

First meeting of combined booster to be held Weds, Dec. 19

2007-12-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

The first meeting of the combined Edwardsville Cross Country and Track & Field Booster Club (a mouthful I know) will be held next Wednesday, December 19th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in the Tiger Country meeting room, which is upstairs in the new building behind the high school by the track.

This is an important meeting since nominations for officers in the new club will be received, a vote will taken to elect officers that night, and we'll discuss committees for the upcoming year.

Nominations for officers include:
President - Randy Dunn
Vice President of XC - Lisa Thompson
Vice President of Track - Diana Speicher
Vice President of Mud Mountain - Tom Atwood
Treasurer - Lee Speicher
Secretary - Monica Laurent

Committees:
Concessions - Val Sweatt
Mud Mountain Sponsors - Mal Goldsmith
Banquets -?
Meet Set up - ?
Hotels - ?

Also, we'll talk about the track season/coaching issues, and preparations for Mud Mountain XIII (mainly, who wants to help with it, starting with rounding up sponsors). Hope to see you there.

EHS banquet video: To Be A Runner

2007-11-09T23:15:00.000-06:00

At cross-country banquets I'm always surprised by how the runners look. Normally, we see them sweating, panting, in pain. But Thursday night, we got to see them smile, laugh, and cry. We got to see how poised and intelligent they are, and what excellent speeches they can deliver.

They thanked the booster club, praised their coaches, and no doubt inspired younger runners from the middle schools who were invited to attend the banquet. It was a beautiful end to the season, and it is the focus of this short video, the title of which comes from Andy Barnett's senior speech.

Listen carefully to the senior runners: their messages Thursday night are what cross country is really all about.

To Be A Runner

Produced by Tom Atwood
© 2007 Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club
All Rights Reserved
Speeches: Andy Barnett, Liz Speicher, Riley Atwood, Aaron Cole, Jake Nelson, Jordan Staffaniak, Kaci Smith, Lia Saunders, Bridgette Hoover, Brendan Corkery, Andrew Gaines.
Photos: Andy Thomas, Tom Atwood, Roger Mueller
Music: "Our Town," composed by Aaron Copland, performed by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

A season ends

2007-10-28T14:11:00.000-06:00

by Tom Atwood

High school cross country can be a heartbreaking sport. Heartbreaking when a good runner--because of biorhythms, dehydration, anxiety, or any one of a thousand other distractions called 'life'--has a bad race. Heartbreaking when a good team has a bad day. Heartbreaking when a season ends too soon. Even one week too soon.

We all wanted the season to go on. Some of us would like to have seen it go on forever. But no season ever does. Every season ends.

For me, the hardest part about watching the season come to a close yesterday (for everyone except Liz Speicher, who moves on to the state meet after qualifying individually), was the realization that I had watched my son's last cross-country race. Riley has been running since he was in sixth grade at what was then Edwardsville Middle School. George Patrylak was his coach. In fact, George is the only cross-country coach Riley has had in his seven cross-country seasons. An outstanding coach. I have looked forward to and enjoyed every single race. Winning, losing, running well, or running poorly never really mattered. All that mattered was simply running.

Yesterday, though, losing did matter to me. Because it meant Riley's last race--and my last chance to see him run. I guess it's just the first of many "lasts" this year for seniors like Riley, who will all too soon move on to life after high school, to life after cross country, to the next season.

A Season Ends
Produced by Tom Atwood
Photographs: Roger Mueller and Tom Atwood
Music: Paul F. Page
© 2007 Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club
All Rights Reserved

Boosters meet Weds Oct. 24

2007-10-23T17:51:00.000-05:00

The Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, October 24 at 7 pm. The meeting will be held in Coach Patrylak's classroom at EHS (Rm D141).

EHS principal Norm Bohnenstiehl will be available at this meeting to answer questions. We will also discuss preparations for the end-of-season banquet in November. Please attend if possible. Thanks!

Smiles in Granite City

2007-10-21T13:08:00.000-05:00

Video Produced by Tom Atwood
Photographs: Roger Mueller, Andy Thomas
Music: Rondo Alla Turca from Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 11

Revised: Pain, Agony, Victory

2007-10-19T09:11:00.001-05:00

Video Produced by Tom Atwood
Photographs by Andy Thomas
Just a few changes to this video that focuses on the grim determination of runners during competition. A member of the girls team at EHS mentioned there were " a lot of boys" in the original video, and after a careful review, I had to agree. So, this version tries to even things up a bit.

--Tom Atwood

Booster club meeting moved to next week

2007-10-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but tonight's scheduled meeting of the Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club has been postponed until next week. It will be held at EHS on Wednesday, October 24 at 7 pm in Coach Patrylak's room (D141). Hope to see you there.

Mark your calendar!

2007-10-16T11:58:00.001-05:00

Watch for your personal invitation to arrive in the mail for the annual end-of-season Tigers Cross Country Banquet. The banquet will be held on Thursday, November 8th at EHS
in the commons starting at 6:30 pm. The banquet gives coaches and families the chance to recognize athletes for their hard work and dedication this season. Dinner will be provided by Mother’s catering. Mark your calendar now for this event.

Video: Pain, Agony, Victory

2007-10-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

Video Produced by Tom Atwood
Photos by Andy Thomas

Looking through hundreds of photographs taken by Andy Thomas this season, I am struck by the pain in many of his pictures. The agony is evident on the faces of cross-country runners, especially as they near the end of a race, battling for position, or at least for a faster time. Pain is definitely part of Andy's photographs. Pain is part of running, and in cross country, it is often a necessary part of training, and of victory.

-- Tom Atwood

Last call for help at today's Tiger Finale

2007-10-15T08:18:00.000-05:00

Sally Atwood and Keith Dudding trail runners at IESA sectional.

Volunteers are needed for today's Tiger Finale at the SIU-E cross country course. This is the final home meet of the season, and will feature 13 teams. We need help for the following shifts:

Ice pickup - 1:00 pm (EHS)
Set up - 2:00 pm (course)
Concessions - 3:00 pm (course)
Chute - 4:00 pm (course)

If you are able to help out, e-mail tom@tomatwood.net, or see Val Sweatt (concessions) or Diana Speicher (chute) at the course. Thanks to all that have volunteered at meets this season.

Boosters vote to merge with track club

2007-10-04T06:45:00.000-05:00

Members of the Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club have voted to merge with the track and field booster club. The merger was approved at a meeting last night. The merger is likely to take place later this year, between the cross country and track seasons.

Scenes from a county meet

2007-10-03T14:04:00.000-05:00

Tiger boys 1st, girls 2nd at Madison County Meet

2007-10-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

Greg Dunn received the Madison County JV Champion medal.

Help needed for Madison County meet

2007-10-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

Bre Schuett leads the way, winning the 2006 Madison County varsity girls race.
Photo/Tom Atwood (click image to enlarge)

Volunteers from the Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club are needed at the Madison County meet on Tuesday, October 2.

Help is needed for the following shifts:

2:00 pm - setup at the SIUE course
3:00 pm - concessions open
4:15 pm - races begin, help needed in chutes
6:00 pm - clean up

If you are able to help, please email tom@tomatwood.net, or see Val Sweat or Diana Speicher at the course. Thanks!

Volunteers needed for middle school conference meet on Wednesday

2007-09-24T14:23:00.000-05:00

Volunteers are needed to help set up and work the middle school conference meet this week. The meet will be held Wednesday afternoon (September 26) at the SIUE course. Volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

2:30 pm - set up
3:30 pm - concessions
4:00 pm - chutes
5:30 pm clean up

Please send an email to tom@tomatwood.net if you can help, or look for Val Sweatt and Diana Speicher at the course on Wednesday. Thanks!

There are no limits

2007-09-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

Video for XC Banquet

2007-09-24T06:55:00.000-05:00

This is a portion of the video/slideshow that will be shown at the Tiger cross country banquet in November. This segment focuses on the girls junior varsity team at the Edwardsville Invitational.

Video, editing: Tom Atwood
Photographs: Andy Thomas

Boosters discuss track merger; vote set for Oct.3

2007-09-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

The XC Booster Club will vote October 3 on a proposal to merge with the track booster club. Cross-country boosters met last night to discuss the merger, and appointed a committee to structure the new combined booster club. Committee members include former XC booster club president Dave Goodhue, former VP Tom Atwood, and current Treasurer Lee Speicher.

The committee's recommendations will be presented at a meeting of the full booster club in two weeks. At that meeting, a vote on whether or not to merge will be taken.

Please be sure to attend the meeting at 7 pm on Wednesday, October 3 in Coach Cunningham's classroom (A249) at Edwardsville High School.

Thanks!

2007-09-19T16:28:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to Roger Mueller, Keith Dudding, Micky Burge-Beckley and Monica Laurent for organizing the food at the remaining high school away meets. A big thank you also goes out to the parents who are bringing drinks and additional food for the athletes at these meets. The booster club wouldn’t be a success without the support and dedication of the parents. Thanks for all the time and effort.

Signed,
The Executive Board, Edwardsville XC Booster Club.

Proposal to merge track, cross-country booster clubs to be discussed Wednesday night

2007-09-17T15:26:00.000-05:00

A proposal to merge the Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club with the Edwardsville Track Booster Club will be discussed at a meeting this week of the XC boosters. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm in Coach Cunningham's classroom #A249.

Please make every effort to attend this important meeting.

Volunteers Needed for Lincoln Invitational on Tuesday

2007-09-16T20:27:00.001-05:00

Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club President Roger Mueller on Gator at Edwardsville Invitational

Volunteers from the XC Booster Club are needed to help with the Lincoln Invitational middle school meet this Tuesday, September 18. The meet begins at 4 pm at the SIUE cross-country course, but we need volunteers to come earlier to help with set up. Here's the schedule:

2:00 pm - set up tents & concessions
3:00 pm - concessions and t-shirt sales open
4:00 pm - races begin; chute volunteers needed
5:30 pm - clean up

If you are able to help, please leave a comment below or email Tom Atwood (tom@tomatwood.net), and he will put you in touch with the right people at the course. Thanks!

Video, photos posted from Edwardsville Invitational

2007-09-16T13:02:00.000-05:00

Video of the boys and girls varsity races from yesterday's Edwardsville Invitational has been posted. Keith will create a link to the video on mudmountain.org, or you can see it now by clicking on the link below:

Edwardsville Invitational Video

The video will be expanded for the high school cross country banquet in November, and will include Tiger runners from yesterday's JV and open races.

Some of Andy Thomas' photos from the Edwardsville Invitational have also been posted. Look for the link on mudmountain.org, or just click link bel0w:

Andy Thomas Photos

If you want printable jpeg files of any of Andy's photos, let Tom Atwood (tom@tomatwood.net) know and he will email them to you.

Thanks to volunteers; see you at the Edwardsville Invitational

2007-09-14T05:15:00.000-05:00

Saturday, September 15, 2007
6:00 am - ice pickup at EHS
6:30 am - set up tents, concessions at SIUE course
7:30 am - concessions open
9:00 am - races begin; chutes
11:00am - clean up

Thanks again!

Help Wanted: Edwardsville Invitational this Saturday at SIUE

2007-09-11T08:10:00.000-05:00

Terri Dalla Riva helps set up for Mud Mountain XII

Volunteers are needed at the Edwardsville Invitational (high school meet) at the SIUE cross country course this Saturday morning, September 15. Twenty teams will participate in the meet.

We need help in the following areas:

Set up - starting at 6 am with ice pickup at the high school. We need a truck or SUV to deliver ice to the course for concessions. We will set up tents, finish line, concessions, etc, at the course.
Concessions, chute - teams will begin arriving around 7:30 am, so that's when the concession stand will open. We also need several volunteers to help with the chute once races begin at 9 am.
Clean up - after the meet is over. Usually takes about an hour.

If you can help, email Tom Atwood (tom@tomatwood.net), or just sign up in the "comments" section below. Thanks!

Food, Gatorade needed for upcoming away meets

2007-09-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

Tiger runners enjoy sub sandwiches, fruit, and drinks after Peoria Woodruff Invitational (Click image to enlarge)

From Pam Nelson:

It would be much appreciated if we could get volunteers to donate a cooler of Gatorade or water, some fruit, paper plates (2 pkgs) or sweets to the next few Tiger away meets. Some of you have already been kind and brought for past meets. Thank you.

The Dudding family will possibly be volunteering to coordinate either the Sept 22 or Sept 29th Peoria meet. Roger Mueller may be able to coordinate the other Peoria. Mickey Burge-Beckley has agreed to do the Centralia meet.

If you would like to offer to bring something for the Centralia meet on Sat, Oct 6 please email Mickey Burge-Beckley at mud_turtle@hotmail.com. The other coordinators for the Peoria meets will be in touch soon.

I can bring a small folding table if needed, in case we aren’t able to get a picnic table at one of the meets. I may have offended the other team at Saturday’s meet by moving their watermelon to the other end after I covered the table we were using and I don’t want that to happen. So if the family coordinating the food needs my table just let me know.

Thanks again for helping.

Send Pics for Photo of the Day

2007-09-08T17:29:00.000-05:00

A new web-addition to www.mudmountain.org is called "Photo of the Day." The new site, which can be linked from the Booster Club page, will feature a different photo every day (or so) of Edwardsville high school and middle school cross-country runners.

If you have a snapshot or photo of a favorite runner or cross-country moment that you would like to share with Photo of the Day, just email it to tom@tomatwood.net. The site will also feature some of Andy Thomas' "greatest hits" during the season.

To see the website, click on this direct link: Photo of the Day

Thanks to Holly Romann, who sent the following pictures from this week's Alton Invitational middle school meet:

Start of the Alton Invitational boys varsity race on Thursday, Sept. 6
Photo/Holly Romann

Lincoln Middle School brothers Michael and Randy Romann run at Alton
Photo/Holly Romann

Hope you enjoy the new site.

Join the Booster Club

2007-09-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

Booster club volunteers work concessions at Mud Mountain XII

To the Parents of our Edwardsville Cross-Country Athletes:
Now that the “race” of a new school year and cross-country season has begun, we’d like you to consider including the Edwardsville Cross Country Booster Club activities among your “to do” list. Our booster club program has been fortunate to include many active parents in the past; we need your help to sustain our program growth.

Our activities include the annual Mud Mountain 5K, our main fund raiser (see video of race below), as well as providing volunteers for our middle school and high school home races.

Mud Mountain XII • August 11, 2007

We also provide meals to our high school athletes at away meets (great grilled burgers and ‘dogs), sell t-shirts at home meets and ensure the course is ready for competition. At the end of the season, we coordinate the banquet activities. In addition, we provide a very enthusiastic fan base for all of our kids at our home and away competitions!

Membership in the Edwardsville Cross-County Booster Club is $10/Individual or $20/Family. The fee offsets club mailing costs and provides money for the booster club to spend on our athletes. For a membership form, or for more information, email tom@tomatwood.net, and it will be sent to you.

We have three booster club meetings scheduled for the upcoming season Wednesday, September 19, Wednesday, October 3, and Wednesday, October 17. The meetings begin at 7:00pm and will be held at Edwardsville High School in room A249.

Our home meets require volunteers for set-up crew, concession sales, chute workers, t-shirt sales, and clean-up crew. Attached is a listing of our home meets for the middle schools and high school. Please review the dates and let us know when and how you can help us by emailing Val Sweatt at vls2262@sbcglobal.net.

We’d like to establish the following volunteer committees: Mud Mountain, Concessions, Home Meet Activities, and Banquet (EHS banquet is scheduled for Thursday, November 8). Please contact Diana Speicher at speicher@charter.net if you’d like to be a committee member or a committee chairperson.

On behalf of the Edwardsville Cross County Booster Club, thank you for your help.

Signed,

Roger & Sue Mueller, President
Randy Dunn, Vice-President
Lee Speicher, Treasurer
Monica Laurent, Secretary

2007 XC Booster Club Meeting Schedule

2007-09-06T06:11:00.000-05:00

Lee Speicher, Randy Dunn, and Steve Nelson
at Granite City Invitational on Sept. 1.

Welcome to the Edwardsville XC Booster Club 2007 website. The booster club will be meeting regularly during the fall cross-country season. Here's the schedule through October:

Wednesday, September 19, 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, October 3, 7:00 pm.

Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 pm.

All meetings will be held in Coach Cunningham's classroom at Edwardsville High School, Room #A249.

See you there!