Important Information
Boys and Girls,
grades 9 to 12
July 20 to 24, 2008
Directed by:
Steve Spence
Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach
Shippensburg University
Brochure ( 131k PDF ) Registration Form ( 52k PDF )
Send form to:
Office of Conferences, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA
17257-2299
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Cross Country Camp
General Camp Information
- Housing: Only two participants will be assigned to a room. Two sheets, one pillowcase and a pillow will be provided. No towels, washcloths or blankets are provided. Bring a light blanket, washcloths and towels with you. Coin operated washers and dryers are available in the residence hall.
- Key Policy: Campers who do not turn in their room key at camp dismissal will be subject to a lock change fee (ranging from $25-$40). For security reasons, lock changes must be made immediately before the next group arrives. Keys returned after check-out is not permissible. There will be no exceptions.
- Equipment: two pairs of running shoes are recommended. A pair of racing flats or spikes may be helpful. The maximum spike length is 3/16". Bring recreational equipment if desired and a water bottle.
- The camp is run by a staff of top-notch coaches. This staff will be supplemented by several guest lecturers and demonstrators.
Objective
The objective of the SU Cross Country Camp is to educate each athlete in the various aspects of distance running which we feel are important in achieving improvement and success. This camp will also serve as a preseason conditioning camp for individual runners or teams. We endeavor to serve individual athletes as well as groups. This week would be an excellent opportunity to promote team unity and expose a group to distance training without other distractions. The camp is geared to help beginning or advanced runners.
During the week, each athlete will learn about running form and efficiency, mental toughness, various types of workouts, flexibility, weight training specifically for distance runners, cross training and racing techniques. A question and answer session will be offered to attempt to address the concerns and needs of each runner. Mountain runs will be offered each day to get away from the macadam roads and run in a refreshing environment. Staff interaction at this camp is excellent. A college athlete is employed for each 10 runners who attend this camp. Much can be learned throughout the week from these aspiring athletes. Finally, this week offers an excellent chance to receive a week of training under the guidance of a very supportive staff.
Athletes will learn about the sport of distance running from experienced coaches and elite distance runners. Pointers for obtaining better running mechanics and efficiency will be discussed.
If a coach of a high school program is interested in bringing his/her team to Shippensburg University for a training camp, call or write the camp director to discuss special needs.
Schedule
| Camp Arrival | |
| Sunday, July 20, 2008 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. |
|
| Camp Dismissal | |
| Residence hall lobby Thursday, July, 24, 2008 4:30p.m. |
|
| Special Events | |
Monday: special guest speaker |
|
| Typical Daily Schedule | |
| 6:45 a.m. | Wake-up |
| 7:15 a.m. | Breakfast, Reisner Dining Hall |
| 8:30 a.m. | Commuters report to camp |
| 8:30 a.m. | Guest Speaker |
| 9:15 a.m. | Training session in the mountains |
| 11:30 a.m. | Lunch, Reisner Dining Hall |
| 12:30 p.m. | Quiet hour for rest between training sessions |
| 1:30 p.m. | Recreation time |
| 2:30 p.m. | Form analysis or weight training |
| 4:00 p.m. | Pool therapy |
| 4:45 p.m. | Dinner, Reisner Dining Hall |
| 6:00 p.m. | Special camp activities |
| 7:00 p.m. | Training session on campus |
| 9:00 p.m. | Distance running video highlights |
| 10:00 p.m. | In rooms |
| 10:30 p.m. | Lights out! |
Facilities
The SU Cross Country Camp is conducted on the beautiful campus of Shippensburg University. Training will take place on a red all-weather track located in the stadium, on the Shippensburg University 5-mile cross country course, on the Shippensburg to Newville rail trail, and on the rolling back roads of rural Shippensburg. Some running will be done on dirt roads in South Mountain and parts of the Appalachian Trail. The weight training facility, which has 42 lifting stations, will be used during the week.
In addition, there is indoor swimming, indoor and outdoor basketball courts (if available), sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and handball courts for recreational use.
All participants will be housed in a modern residence hall and will be supervised by counselors. Meals will be served at the University dining hall.
The university's Etter Health Center, with a nurse on duty 24 hours a day, is available to any camper needing medical attention. A certificate of health must be presented by each participant at the camp's registration. A standard form will be sent upon acceptance. This form does not require a physician's examination or signature.
Requests for accommodations, auxiliary aids or services must be made in writing to the Office of Social Equity at least fifteen (15) days before the camp begins. The Office of Social Equity is located in Old Main 200, Shippensburg University, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg, PA 17257-2299, (717) 477-1329.
Professional Staff and Clinicians
The SU Cross Country Camp offers a staff of outstanding coaches and collegiate athletes. All have been highly successful in their respective areas. The staff is committed to helping each athlete improve his or her skill level and to assist each person in reaching their personal goals. Staff for the 2008 camp will include:
Steve Spence — Head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach at Shippensburg University. Steve is a Shippensburg University graduate who earned the bronze medal at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo as a marathoner. He also placed 12th at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992 in the marathon. Steve was also the 1980 Pennsylvania High School State Champion and record holder in the 1600m run, a two-time NCAA Champion in the 5000m run, and a seven-time All-American at Shippensburg University. Has coached 31 All-Americans in Cross Country and Track & Field and led the 1998 Women's Cross Country team to a 3rd place finish at the NCAA Division II Championships.
Vicki Smith — College All-American while at Lock Haven University in the early 80's. Vicki will add cross-training expertise to this camp. She has competed in several prestigious triathlons including the Ironman in Hawaii.
Randy Lowe — 1992 National Champion in the 10,000m event in Track & Field. Eight-time All-American at SU, head cross country coach and assistant track & field coach at Frostburg University of Maryland.
Stephanie Bedison — Head cross country coach at Montoursville High School, Runner's World Golden Shoe award winner for her outstanding contributions to running.
Ken Roseberry — 1987 All-American in steeplechase for Shippensburg University, head cross country coach at Cedar Cliff High School. Cedar Cliff boys were the state AAA champs in 2001 and 2004.
Britta Smith — 2000 Shippensburg University graduate and #3 runner on Shippensburg University's 1998 Cross Country team which placed 3rd at the NCAA Championships. Britta has coached Cross Country and Track at Butler High School where she is an Art teacher.
Aaron Rich — 2003 Shippensburg University graduate, Aaron is the Head Cross Country and Assistant Track coach at Boiling Springs High School. He works with his father on the Penntrack Cross Country website. He teaches in a special classroom setting while pursuing his doctorate from Penn State's Capitol Campus
Others may be added to our staff. Staff subject to change.
Fees
Complete fee information is listed on the registration form [PDF].
For more information about these camps, call (717) 477-1256, or email your request to sucamps@ship.edu.