CHS cross country kicks off season with Midnight Madness

<p class="p1">Chester High School kicked off the 2016 cross country season in style on August 9 with its second "Midnight Madness" event.

<p class="p1">Coach Curt Gilpin started the tradition last year in his first year as head coach

<p class="p1">"This is a great way to start the season, Gilpin said. "The kids enjoy it and it gives them a special night to focus and begin thinking about the new school year from a cross country standpoint."

<p class="p1">Gilpin was joined by CHS assistant coaches Paul and Mary Stallman in the event. The threesome sponsored the evening, which is designed to bring the newcomers and veterans together and orient them to what the new season will bring.

<p class="p1">Gilpin began the official portion of the event by welcoming everyone and providing a brief description of team rules, expectations and everyday routines.

<p class="p1">The Stallmans added input throughout the business meeting and helped to set the tone for 2016.

<p class="p1">In all there were 13 prospective team members in attendance, including seven girls and six boys. Additional members were unable to attend but do intend to join the group once school starts.

<p class="p1">Gilpin read a poem to the group titled, "Hold the Rope."

<p class="p1">The phrase relates to the example that if a person was at the edge of a cliff with a 20,000-foot drop and a teammate could hold a rope to pull that person up to safety, which teammates could be trusted to hold the rope no matter what it took to keep someone from dropping?

<p class="p1">"Who on this team would hold the rope for you? Gilpin said. "Who could be trusted even if the rope was burning the hands of the holder?

<p class="p1">"Who would not give up and who would be willing and able to save your life no matter what?"

<p class="p1">Gilpin then translated the idea to cross country saying, "Who will not miss a practice. Who will accept no excuses for missing practice? Who will be there for the team even if it isn't convenient?"

<p class="p1">Gilpin said that those who make the commitment will be successful and help his or her team to be successful.

<p class="p1">At 10 p.m. the coaches showed the team a movie titled, "Race." This movie was a story about the famed United States Olympian Jesse Owens.

<p class="p1">The movie described some of the tough times that Owens had as a collegiate and Olympic runner and how his persistence and dedication helped him to be a world class runner and Olympic champion.

<p class="p1">"I always pick a movie that is cross country or track-based," Gilpin said. "I pick one that motivates my athletes and encourages hard work and dedication."

<p class="p1">At midnight, the Yellow Jackets and Lady YellowJackets were legally able to begin practice for 2016.

<p class="p1">Gilpin began the practice with a 30-minute stretching and drill workout in Colbert gym. Following the indoor workout, the entire group went to the CHS track complex, where they did a light run.

<p class="p1">After the run, the athletes returned to Colbert Gym for brownies baked by Mary Stallman as rewards.

<p class="p1">Gilpin stated that during the first week of school, he would accept any additions to the team who showed serious interest.

<p class="p1">Chester's first meet of the year will be August 22 at the New Athens Mini Meet, which begins at 6 p.m.