Dear 10U Parents and Athletes,

Now, we look forward to our third regular season meet against the United Track Club, one of the new teams to VCYTC, in Westlake this Saturday, March 22nd. Please arrive at 7:30. The meet will be held at:

 Westlake High School

100 Lakeview Canyon Rd

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

 Event Sign-up: Most athletes signed up for their events Yesterday. They can also sign up for track meet events on Wednesday at practice.

I know a lot of people are out of town for Spring Break!

If your athlete will not attend the next meet, please have them let a coach know so that we can sign them up as not attending.

If your athletes plan to participate but are not able to attend practice on Wednesday this week, feel free to email or text me with their event choices by Wednesday evening.

 Relays: If athletes want to run relays, it really helps if they are at specialty practice on Tuesday and Thursday. If an athlete signs up for a relay, their attendance is crucial, and we expect them to participate in the relay they signed up for. The 4×100 is one of the first events in the morning, so you must be on time. Athletes who are late checking in could be dropped from a relay team and replaced by another athlete. Athletes who commit to running a relay should be considerate of other team members who are relying on them to participate in the relay.

No Water Cups at meet: United has adopted an eco-friendly, no cup policy for post-race water on the field. There will be water available, but athletes will need to bring their own water bottles to get a refill.

Lost and Found: Many athletes are leaving their belongings behind without labels. We have a lost and found container in the shed. If your athlete is missing something, please check the container. To help us return items more efficiently, please label all your kids’ clothes and belongings.

No practice next week: As a reminder there will be no practice next week (March 24 & 28) due to the Ventura Unified School District Spring Break, but we will have a home meet on Saturday, March 29. For those in town, we might hold an unofficial practice at Arryo Verde during spring break, Monday or Wednesday. Look for an email, later next week.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me.

Coach Mike

(805)390-6867

Dear 10U Parents and Athletes,

What a fun practice meet we had on Saturday! Our Athletes did so great!

Our first regular season meet will be against Heritage Valley Blazers in Filmore this Saturday March 8th. The meet will be held at:

Fillmore High School
555 Central Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015

Event Sign-up:

Most Athletes signed up for their events yesterday at practice. Please ask them about the events they are running. We are always encouraging them to try new things. If you missed today, you can sign-up for track meet events on Wednesday at practice. If your athlete will not attend the meet, please have them let a coach know so that we can sign them up as not attending. If your athletes plan to participate but are not able to attend practice on Wednesday this week, feel free to email me or text me with their event choices by Wednesday evening.

Events for 10U Team:

This week we can compete in all, but two events offered. A lot of parents are asking me about when an event will happen. The answer is I don’t know. The order of events never changes but sometimes events take longer depending on how many athletes choose an event and which team is hosting.

The order of the running events is:

3200 Bantams do not compete in this event!

Hurdles Bantams do not compete in this event!

4×100

1600

400

100

800

200

4×400 (free event – NOT counting towards their total)

Athletes must be cleared by a specialty coach for High Jump and Shot Put. To be cleared to compete in these events, they must talk to the specialty coaches on specialty days which are Tuesdays and Thursdays. We do not practice these events on Monday and Wednesday.

 Event Limits:

At this meet, athletes may compete in up to 4 events. With up to 3 of the 4 being running events. Athletes may also participate in the 4×400 relay, which is always free, meaning it doesn’t count against their 4 events.

 Relays:

If athletes want to run relays it really helps if they are at specialty practice Tuesday and Thursday. If an athlete signs up for a relay, their attendance is crucial, and we expect them to participate in the relay they signed up for. The 4×100 is one of the first events in the morning so you must be on time.  Athletes who are late checking in could be dropped from a relay team and replaced by another athlete.  Athletes who commit to running a relay should be considerate of other team members who are relying on them to participate in the relay.

 Meet Day Details:

On Saturday, athletes should meet the coaches at 7:45 AM on the field. Being on time is crucial, as we will cover important information. Please be sure your athletes wear their uniform and bring additional warm clothes. Athletes must wear their Tigres Singlet and black running shorts (Tigres-issued or otherwise). Layering with sweats on top is recommended. Also, bring labeled water, snacks, and sunscreen. Please label everything and consider bringing a bag for their belongings. Since food is not allowed out on the track, athletes may bring another bag with snacks (labeled with their name) that can be placed under the 10U EZ-Up in the stands.

Independence is expected, so they should be near coaches and ready to run when called. Each athlete will receive a list of their events on their sticker at check-in. Coaches will try to remind athletes throughout the meet of their schedule, but athletes are responsible for their own event scheduling. Coaches will also not always be able to search for athletes who are not nearby when they are called to compete. Missed races cannot be rescheduled.

If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me.

 Coach Mike

805-390-6867

Dear 10U Parents and Athletes,

We are excited about the upcoming track meets. The coaches appreciate the hard work our athletes have put into their training so far. Please try to make one of the specialty days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Goal Sheets, please have your athletes turned them in by Monday or Wednesday of next week if they haven’t done so already. Please help your athletes make their goals measurable. For example, “I would like to run faster” is not measurable, while “I would like to get a Personal Record at least 3 times this season” is. Thank you for helping them with this.

Event Sign-up: Athletes should have already signed for this Saturday Practice track meet during Monday and Wednesday practices. For next week, please have your athletes start thinking about what events they would like to compete in. The coaches will sign up the athletes for their events on the track meet app during practice. If your athlete will not be attending this Saturday, March 2nd, please let me know so I can mark them as not attending. If your athletes plan to participate but didn’t make practice on Monday or Wednesday of this week, feel free to email me with their event choices by today.

Events for 10U Team this week only: The 10U team can compete in a subset of events, including 4×100, 1600, 400, 100, 4×400, Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put. Athletes must be cleared by a specialty coach for shot put and High Jump. To be cleared to compete in these events, they must talk to the specialty coaches on specialty days, which are Tuesdays and Thursdays. We do not practice these events on Monday and Wednesday.

Event Limits: At the practice meet, athletes may compete in 2 running events and 1 field event. Athletes may also participate in the 4×400 relay, which is always free, meaning they can run in the 4×400 in addition to the 2 running and 1 field event.

Relays: If an athlete signs up for a relay, their attendance is crucial, and we expect them to participate in the relay they signed up for. The 4×100 is one of the first events in the morning. Athletes who are late checking in could be dropped from a relay team and replaced by another athlete. Athletes who commit to running a relay should be considerate of other team members who are relying on them to participate in the relay.

Meet Day Details: On Saturday, athletes should meet the coaches at 7:45 AM at our usual spot on the field. Being on time is crucial, as we will cover important information. Please ensure your athletes wear their uniform and bring additional warm clothes. If you haven’t already picked up your uniforms, they can be picked up at 7:30 AM on Saturday. Athletes must wear their Tigres Singlet and black running shorts (Tigres-issued or otherwise). Layering with sweats on top is recommended. Also, bring labeled water, snacks, and sunscreen. Please label everything and consider bringing a bag for their belongings. Since food is not allowed on the track, athletes may bring another bag with snacks (labeled with their name) that can be placed under the 10U EZ-Up in the stands. Parking, be aware that limited parking will be available on campus due to construction.

Purpose of the Practice Meet: The meet on Saturday serves as practice for our regular season meets. Athletes will experience event calls, warming up, and the staging process. Independence is expected, so they should be near coaches and ready to run when called. Each athlete will receive a list of their events on their sticker at check-in. Coaches will try to remind athletes throughout the meet of their schedule, but athletes are responsible for their own event scheduling. Coaches will also not always be able to search for athletes who are not nearby when they are called to compete. Missed races cannot be rescheduled. For new Tigres, this is an opportunity to experience a meet before facing other competitors.

For Parents: The practice meet is used to train our volunteers in their positions, so that the meets run smoothly when we host other teams. Expect that things will NOT run smoothly, and there will be delays and possibly a lot of standing around at the practice meet. This is part of the training, please be patient!

If you have any questions, feel free to email or text me.

Coach Mike

805-390-6867

Bantam Parents,

Due to VUSD having Monday off for the Holiday, we won’t be able to practice at Buena High School. However, to keep us running and because our first meet is on March 1st, we will be holding an unofficial and optional workout on Monday at Arroyo Verde Park from 4:30 to 5:30 PM for anyone interested. We’ll meet by the first bathrooms on the left as you enter the park.

Also, a reminder that it’s important for all athletes to have good running shoes and water!

Hope to see you there!

Coach Mike

805-390-6867

Parents,

Since practice has been canceled, we need to keep moving.

Today only, we are having an unofficial and optional practice at Kimball Park at 4:30.

We will meet by the baseball fields. Hope to see you there.

Coach Mike

Bantam Parents 10U

Our first practice on Wednesday was a great success! It was great to see all the new and returning runners. I hope you all had fun, and if it was hard, don’t be discouraged—it gets easier as we get conditioned!  Just a reminder, make sure your kid’s shoes are tied tight and that they bring water to practice.

Most of our athletes are new to running. Remind them that starting slow, “pacing” many not feel as fun at first, but it will allow them to run farther before they get tired. This will make running for longer intervals or distances more enjoyable for your child. Kids have two paces: lightning fast and walking. Watch a kids “fun run” race or observe any elementary school gym class and you’ll see what I mean. If they have any questions or concerns, tell them to talk to a coach. We will help and encourage them as much as possible.

Next week specialty practices will start on Tuesday and Thursday.

Due to VUSD being on vacation Monday, we won’t be able to practice at Buena High School. However, to keep us running and because our first meet is on March 1st, we will be holding an unofficial and optional workout on Monday at Arroyo Verde Park from 4:30 to 5:30 PM for anyone interested. We’ll meet by the first bathrooms on the left as you enter the park.

Also, a reminder that it’s important for all athletes to have good running shoes and water!

Hope to see you there!

Coach Mike

805-390-6867

Hello, 10U Bantam Families

Welcome to the 2025 track season!

Coaching staff:

Mike Chapman – Head Coach

Charne Huff

Christian Contreras

Christine Webber

George Keiaho

Janine Jackson

Jeff Evans

Joe Stewart

Marcell Brickey

Nate Jenkins

Goals for the season:

1. Safety
2. Fun and an appreciation for the benefits of sports and exercise
3. Good Sportsmanship
4. Developing your athlete’s abilities and helping them to achieve their goals.

Questions and information:

The most efficient way to communicate with me is through email on the website. I am also available for questions after practice. I will email regularly, especially once the meets begin in March. You can text me as well.

Practice:

10U will have team practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 at the Buena High School track.

Track is all weather rated, so we will practice rain or shine!

Parents are welcome to stay and watch, but only athletes and coaches are allowed on the field. Please be on time for pickup; a coach must stay with your athlete until you arrive.

Athletes will work with specialty coaches on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Preparation for practice:

Please have your athlete dressed and ready to go. They will need a bag to carry their belongings:

1. Sweatshirt and bottoms
2. Small towel
3. Water bottle (NO food/Gatorade on the track – water only)
4. Good Running Shoes!

PLEASE label everything!!

Attendance:

We understand that other sports, illnesses, and injuries may conflict with practice. You do not need to email me if your athlete does not attend practice, but I would appreciate knowing if they are injured and if they are not going to attend a meet. Please do not send them to practice if they are injured.

Meets:

10U athletes can participate in these events:

Field – Long Jump, High Jump, and Shot Put

Relay – 4X100 and the 4X400

Distance – 1600, and 800

Sprints – 100, 200, and 400

10U Athletes can participate in 4 events at each meet with a maximum of 3 running events.  The 4X100 counts toward their running event total, but the 4X400 is free. (Meaning the 4X400 does not count against their 4 events)

Some athletes know what events they are interested in, while others are still deciding. We will encourage them to try everything until they decide which events they like the most. Event sign-ups will be on Mondays and Wednesdays on the field.

Setting up the relay teams for the 4X100 and the 4X400 takes time. Once your athlete selects the relay, they commit to three other team athletes. Relay teams will be created based on times and attendance. Sometimes, we cannot build a full relay team due to numbers, but we will do our best to ensure it is a fair process.

I will send out more information regarding meets as the dates come closer, but for your future planning, the meet schedule on the website is accurate, and meets typically go from 8:00 – 3:00ish. The order of events is also on the website, and it does not change. All meets will run in that order.

We look forward to greeting former and new athletes on Today!!

See you soon,

Mike Chapman

805-390-6867

Good morning parents!

Thanks everyone who came out to the picnic to celebrate the athlete’s amazing accomplishments this year.  I did in fact forgot to recognize Kayla Weber for qualifying for Varsity, congratulations Kayla!

For anyone who missed the picnic, we will be at Buena High School track from 5-6pm this Wednesday, May 22, so you can collect awards, team photo, and your gift.  

Thank you everyone: coaches, parents, and athletes, for an amazing season.  See you next year!

If anyone has any questions, please do feel free to text me directly.

Warmly, Coach Ellie

805-832-1421

CONGRATULATIONS to all our athletes!

Junior Varsity was a huge success.  So. Many. PRs!  Smiles through races and pits and across finish lines.  It was a great way to wrap the season for most of our athletes. 

For our athletes moving on to Varsity this weekend, we will have practice as usual this week: Monday and Wednesday for running events and Tuesday and Thursday for specialties.   

As most of you know by now, I was wrong about the 4×400: it does NOT count toward event maximums at JV and Varsity; it DOES count toward max events at Co-Conference. 

If your athlete is done and still wants to cheer on some friends, do please come to the Varsity meet this Saturday! If not, we will see you at the end of year picnic, details on the Tigres’ home page.  I will have awards to hand out, so please do make every effort to come.  

The Varsity meet will be held this Saturday, May 4th, at Camarillo Adolfo High School.  Same start time, 830 am, with arrival at 745 am.  I anticipate this meet to move quickly and smoothly.  One big change from previous meets: Coaches are not allowed on the infield AT ALL.  I am going to go over this at practice tonight.  I am encouraging our athletes to congregate under our tents in the stands and proceed to the field a little before 1st call for their event in order to warm up, we will give them direction on that.  Given that we are not allowed on the field, it is especially crucial for the 4×100 teams and the high jumpers to arrive at 745 am.  

Thank you for reading.   A huge thank you to the entire coaching staff!  These parents were invested in every athlete’s development and made the season so very rewarding for everyone.  

Amazing Bantam parents,

We are now officially in the post-season and I hope your tell your athletes every day how awesome they are.  I can’t believe we are already here. Some important info as we move forward:

Wednesday, April 24th– Our last regular team practice

Saturday, April 27th – JV meet – all athletes can compete in this meet. Most of our athletes’ seasons will end at this date.

•  We will do signups for this meet on Monday night.  They will look a little different, as athletes will be limited to only the events in which they participated in during the previous 6 regular season meets.  They will be locked out of their Varsity events to ensure we don’t double book them and thus disqualify them.
• Meet will be back at Thousand Oaks High School track, beginning at 830 am, arrival at 745 am.  Plan for a longer than usual day as there will be athletes from all 8 teams in our conference. 
  
  
• We will build the 4×400 relay teams for BOTH JV and Varsity based on sign ups and interest level shown when we do sign ups tomorrow night.  If your athlete has a new found love for the 4×400, please be sure to have them sign up.  What is different about post-season is that now the 4×400 DOES count toward event maximums (4 events, max 3 running, max 2 field)

Week of April 29th – Practice is for Varsity athletes only

Saturday, May 4th– Varsity meet – athletes must qualify for this meet

• Meet will be at Camarillo High School.  This meet will likely be about the same length as our other meets.
• 4×100 relay teams are set.  We are going to build the 4×400 relay teams as above.
• if you anticipate your athlete moving on to Varsity and Super Varsity but know of any potential conflicts for May 4th or 11th, please let me know immediately.  We need to know by Wednesday April 24th so that if your athlete doesn’t want to or can’t compete in Varsity, it opens a spot for someone down on the list.  We must have this info BEFORE JV, so that an athlete who has a chance at Varsity doesn’t compete in JV and thus lose their chance.
  
  

Week of May 6th – Practice is for Super Varsity athletes only

Saturday, May 11th– Super Varsity meet – athletes must qualify for this meet, from the Varsity meet. More information later on criteria. 

Sunday, May 19th – Tigres picnic – details already sent out through Tigres organization regarding our assigned potluck items (Drinks) and timing.  

I know this time of year can be confusing, so please feel free to ask any questions. It’s an exciting time and every single athlete has done a great job this year.  

Thanks for all of your support!

Warmly, Coach Ellie

805-832-1421