April 14, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State track & field and cross country program will host a pair of four-day summer camps in July. The camp schedule will consist of two sessions: Track & Field and Cross Country & Distance Running. Both camps will take place July 5-8 and July 12-15 on the Penn State campus.
"We are excited to once again host our track & field and cross country summer camps this July," head coach and director of Penn State track & field and cross country John Gondak said. "Each camp provides an excellent learning experience about our sport along with providing instruction on how to improve as an individual. I hope to see you in Happy Valley in July for our camps!"
Who Should Attend
The Penn State track & field summer camps are designed for students entering grades 7-12 next fall; high school graduates are also eligible to enroll.
About the Camps
The Penn State track & field and cross country summer camps develop skills and techniques for track and field, cross country and distance running. Participants take part in drills, attend lectures and demonstrations and use visual aids for each event, including the decathlon and heptathlon. Other aspects of competition -- nutrition, rest, relaxation and general health -- are also part of the daily training. Because performance levels of campers may vary from beginner to advanced, instruction is individualized to accommodate that range. Campers use Penn State athletic facilities, including practice areas, equipment and training rooms.
These are separate camps; you must choose either Track & Field or Cross Country & Distance Running.
The ratio of campers to staff varies between ten-to-one and eight-to-one. Campers will be given a firsthand opportunity to work with experts in each of their respective events. All campers will receive an instructional guide for all events.
Sessions are scheduled for mornings, afternoons and evenings on full days, with a single session on the first day and a morning session on the last day. Practices are held outdoors at the track and field facility or, in case of inclement weather, at an indoor facility. The cross country camp will partake in runs through campus, the mountains and woods surrounding campus. Distance runners may choose refreshing runs in the mountains, in rural areas or on trails bordering golf courses. Evening sessions include films, informative talks, competitions and recreational activities.
If possible, all campers are asked to bring their own implements and poles for field events. Some equipment will be supplied on a limited basis. Several lightweight poles will be available but will not be appropriate for all athletes.
Recreation -- During camp, participants can spend their free time enjoying Penn State's many recreational facilities, including the outdoor swimming pool.
For more information/register, please visit: http://www.gopsusports.com/camps/track-xc-camp.html
For more on Nittany Lion track & field, log onto www.GoPSUsports.com or follow the team on Twitter @PennStateTFXC.