Zion Benton Men’s

Cross Country 2011official preseason book

ZBXC Captains 2011Head Captains – Tim Athans and Trevor DuBois

Assistant Captains – Philip Meyer and Eric Miller

Job Description:Captains are lead members of the team who demonstrate the ethics and responsibility of a

model ZBXC athlete. Captains assist in recruitment of incoming freshmen by signing up athletes, encouraging others

to join, and providing new members assistance in getting to practice. Lead team in all stretches and workouts (not necessarily by being first in a workout), by

ensuring that everyone does what is expected. Provide rides to team members when necessary. Seek to make all members of the team feel included.

Good captains are more interested in building a great TEAM rather than drawing attention to themselves.

Leaders exhibit intense commitment to doing what matters most for their TEAM, regardless of difficulties.

When things go wrong, leaders look inward as opposed to ascribing blame to external forces.

Leaders are:Respectful –Leaders support all team members by acknowledging their unique strengths and

weaknesses. Humble – Leaders lead by example but are not cocky and arrogant. Leaders must never ask

anyone to do anything that they aren’t doing themselves. Responsible – Leaders follow through on promises. They are dependable and reliable. Trustworthy – Leaders are men of integrity. They keep team affairs within the team. They don’t

gossip or slander other members of the team. Communicators – Leaders explain their decisions and garner consensus for their actions.

**** Past ZBXC Captains ****

2007 - Victor Reyes2008 - Austin Sears

2009 - Keith Hamilton, Travis Sims2010 - Christian Gordon, Noel Gonzalez

2011 - Tim Athans, Trevor DuBois

2011 Mission - To the top of the mountain!

This season, our team mantra will be “TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN!” As we all know, a cross country season is challenging and also incredibly rewarding. Currently, we are at the base of the mountain. Let’s engage in a climb TOGETHER and work towards that peak! We will put 100% into EVERYTHING we do. From stretches, to meetings, to workouts, and nutrition. If a mountain climber was always worried about whether or not they would reach the peak or EVER looked down at how far they had come, they would NEVER make it! A good climber knows that they are only as good as the members of their expedition. If one climber falters, the entire group is at risk. Climbers have to give their full attention to the next move and the next action. If we can get a group of like minded individuals to operate as a unit, we are on our way! Let’s climb to the peak together! TEAM glory is far sweeter than any individual accolades! Let’s do this!

“Success is uncommon. Therefore, not to be enjoyed by the common man. I’m looking for uncommon men.”

- Cal Stoll, University of Minnesota Football coach 1972 - 1978This season we are embarking on our most strenuous, challenging, and rewarding adventure yet! We will persevere through hardships. We will experience joys more precious than anything in the world. Ultimately, we will grow as we’ve never grown before. Join us in the journey!

Welcome to the 2011 Cross Country campaign! You have made one of the best decisions you will ever make in deciding to do Cross Country. In order to be the best in October, though, we must begin training in June. Distance training requires months of committed dedication. The picture above is of Busse Woods in Schaumburg, IL. It is the site of our IHSA Sectional Cross Country meet. We have NEVER qualified a team to IHSA Sectionals! Until NOW! :) Let’s approach the coming season with the intention to make history.

Our summer program of training will commence on June 1st and run through September 1st. I have mileage goals for each of you. For our incoming freshmen and first year runners - we will run 300 miles this summer. I realize how far this seems, especially to those of you who are new to running. Here’s what I can guarantee to you, though, if you complete this task. 1) A free t-shirt :) 2) Increased endurance and speed, 3) New Friends, 4) A tan. :) Cross Country is a unique sport in that you can make a Varsity level impact during your Freshman year if you put in the time and effort. Help make this the best Cross Country team Zion Benton has ever had!

Veterans - Run 700 - 1000 miles this summer. Those of you who have run for more than one year are up to this challenge. To maintain injury free training, we will be incorporating some hill and grass running to develop total lower leg strength. We will also be utilizing weight training to further evolve as total athletes. If you are ready to lead our team, we can go as far as you can imagine! Let’s take ZBXC to the next level this year!

I have three questions for you, as we begin this season. If we can all answer yes to each one, we will have something very special. 1) Are you committed to excellence? Because I’m committed to excellence. 2) Can I trust you? Because you can trust me. 3) Do you care about me? Because I LOVE you.

Sincerely, Coach McPherson

SSectionals

Mileage Men 2011

Varsity Mileage Goal - 700 MilesFreshmen and New Runners Goal - 300 Miles

Summer training lays the foundation for a successful cross country season. To be a top runner, distance running requires 365 days per year commitment. Consistency is vital to perform at your peak level. This summer, we are going to train consistently and we are going to enjoy ourselves while doing it! Last summer, our team had Noel Gonzalez at 700+ miles, Trevor DuBois, Tim Athans, Christian Gordon, Philip Meyer, and Eric Miller at 500+ miles, and a plethora of guys at 300+. This summer, in order to take our team to the next level, we must take our training to the next level. I am challenging all returning runners to shoot for at least 700 miles this summer and a select few to shoot for over 1000 miles. TLast summer, Lake Zurich had 14 boys over 400 miles with 9 over 690 miles. This dedication resulted in a second place finish at state. Of those 14, 6 were Sophomores. You don’t have to be an upperclassman to shoot for high mileage! Let’s ATTACK this summer!

The two most important principles this summer are: Consistency and Health. Let’s maintain each of these traits as we SEEK GREATNESS this summer! It is no longer OK to be mediocre, we are shooting for EXCELLENCE!

Training Log Summer 2011

Please log all of your mileage for the summer on this calendar. This will be your record keeping for the mileage clubs. There will be shirts for both mileage clubs! June 1st - September 1st. You will submit

them on September 1st. New Runners - 300 Miles

Varsity Mileage Club - 700 Miles◄ May~ June 2011 ~July ►SunMonTueWedThuFriSat1 First Day of Summer Training

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First day of Endurance Camp - 7am

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Training Log Summer 2011

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Training Log Summer 2011

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Second Annual Oshkosh Trip 2011

From June 26th - June 29th, we will be taking our second annual trip to the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh! The top 10 Boys and top 10 Girls will be invited to attend this incredible experience. This trip is one of the most important things we do all summer, because it solidifies the dynamics on our team and gives us an opportunity to train hard and have an absolute blast!

The cost for the trip is $50 and this fee includes transportation to Oshkosh, lodging for three nights, and all meals provided by the university cafeteria.

We will give you more information on this trip as it approaches. BUT! If you want to be there, make sure you train hard during the first month of the season and get in that top 10!!!

Zion-Benton Cross Country 2011Welcome to ZBXC 2011! Congratulations on making the choice to be part of special group of committed student-athletes. In order to have a successful season, please read and understand this important team document.

Team Rules:Choose to be on time and prepared for school, class, practice and meets…every single day

—please take care of you class work and ask for help if necessary. Missing school, a class, practices or meets will result in missing future competitions or being removed from the team. Stay off the eligibility list because study sessions must be completed before school.

Choose to be a good person, student and teammate—get caught doing the right thing: be respectful to your peers, teachers, coaches and competitors, even if no one is watching. Absolutely no drinking, smoking, or using drugs, and no using electronic devices in an improper way (inappropriate texts, pictures on Facebook, etc.). Feel free to use your coaches as an excuse to avoid these problems.

Choose to make a commitment to yourself and your team to be the best runner you can be—prioritize so that you can give your all at practice and meets. Set high expectations for yourself and your teammates.

Choose “Safety First!”—run in groups, use sidewalks when possible, run facing traffic, and look out for your teammates so that we can continue to go off campus for practice.

General Information about the team:

PracticesWe practice after school, Monday-Friday from 3:00-5:15 pm, rain or shine. There will be some Saturday practices—TBAOn School Improvement Days (12:40—Wednesdays), we will practice at 3:00.On shortened days (12:51 or 1:51—usually Thursdays and Fridays), we will practice right after school.If you have a valid reason to miss practice, it is your responsibility to communicate that to your coach prior

to the absence.

Conditioning & HealthYou must be able to run three miles without stopping before you can race.You need to get plenty of sleep each night, especially two days before races.You need to eat early and often. Be sure to hit all of the food groups daily.

Try to make your plate as colorful as possible Runners need at least 2500-3500 calories a day (you will burn over 800 in an easy practice)Drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring a water bottle to practiceBring a good snack for immediately after practice to help your recovery

protein and carbs: PB&J, nutrition bars, chocolate milk, etc.Gear

Good running shoes can help prevent injury and should last one season (300-500 miles)Pick a comfortable training shoe—not a cute shoe!Runners Edge in Libertyville offers specialized fittings for your foot/running styleRogan’s offers a wide variety of shoes if you already know what you are looking for

Each of these stores will give a team discount—ask!Spikes are for racing only and are optional (but helpful)

A good pair of spikes can last all through high school if your foot does not growBe sure to purchase distance or XC spikes (more cushion than sprinting/jumping spikes)

Good socks can prevent blisters and protect feetAvoid cotton! Look for “moisture wicking” technologyLook for sales—most brands offer the same protection

Lock your belongings EVERY DAY in the locker room. There have been some significant theft issues recently, so please protect your gear.

4. Meets and InvitationalsThere’s no bench in Cross Country, so everyone competes in and attends all meets on the schedule.Home meets are at Van Patten Woods on 173 and 41—Shelter B.

Weekday races start around 4:45; Saturday races start around 8:00 am. Saturday Invitationals are longer meets where athletes compete in different class races.

Ask your runner what time s/he will compete.Only IHSA-sanctioned meets (races on our team schedule) are permitted during the season

No road races, etc—it can jeopardize your eligibility for the season.Check in the Athletic Handbook or our team websites for directions to meets. Athletes must ride the bus to and from meets. If you absolutely must take an athlete home by car, you must

have a signed letter from the Athletic Director in advance.Bring the following to meets: uniform, shoes, spikes, extra clothes, healthy snacks and water or Gatorade,

homework. Be careful about bringing valuables!Once you are at the meet, turn your cell phone OFF, and be in the moment. Mentally prepare for your

competition, cheer for your teammates, and observe the races with a keen eye—you can become a better runner by watching others!

5. Uniforms You will be issued a singlet, shorts and a warm-up; you must return them at the conclusion of the season or

risk paying a fine.You are expected to wear ZB Gear to all competitions—let’s look like a team!In case of cold conditions, you are permitted to wear a solid colored “base layer” under your uniform.

It cannot have any writing, and the team must all wear the same color.Please take good care of these items throughout the season (soap!)

6. Letters and ScoringVarsity consists of the top seven individuals who are committed to the team goals.In a race, the first five finishers for the team count in the team scoring. Their individual places are added up

to create the team score (lowest score wins). The sixth and seventh runners are “pushers;” they can “push up” the score of another team should they finish ahead of a top five runner from another school.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Let’s have a great season!

Coach Jay Bee Davis Coach Chris Di Grazia Coach Nate McPhersondavisja@zbths.org digrazic@zbths.org mcphersn@ntzb.org(847) 731-9401 (847) 731-9371 (224) 558-9865

For more information, check us out on the web: www.zbxc.org and http://web.me.com/christinedigrazia/www.zbdc.org/Home.html

Look for sales—most brands offer the same protectionLock your belongings EVERY DAY in the locker room. There have been some significant theft issues recently,

so please protect your gear.

4. Meets and InvitationalsThere’s no bench in Cross Country, so everyone competes in and attends all meets on the schedule.Home meets are at Van Patten Woods on 173 and 41—Shelter B.

Weekday races start around 4:45; Saturday races start around 8:00 am. Saturday Invitationals are longer meets where athletes compete in different class races.

Ask your runner what time s/he will compete.Only IHSA-sanctioned meets (races on our team schedule) are permitted during the season

No road races, etc—it can jeopardize your eligibility for the season.Check in the Athletic Handbook or our team websites for directions to meets. Athletes must ride the bus to and from meets. If you absolutely must take an athlete home by car, you must

have a signed letter from the Athletic Director in advance.Bring the following to meets: uniform, shoes, spikes, extra clothes, healthy snacks and water or Gatorade,

homework. Be careful about bringing valuables!Once you are at the meet, turn your cell phone OFF, and be in the moment. Mentally prepare for your

competition, cheer for your teammates, and observe the races with a keen eye—you can become a better runner by watching others!

5. Uniforms You will be issued a singlet, shorts and a warm-up; you must return them at the conclusion of the season or

risk paying a fine.You are expected to wear ZB Gear to all competitions—let’s look like a team!In case of cold conditions, you are permitted to wear a solid colored “base layer” under your uniform.

It cannot have any writing, and the team must all wear the same color.Please take good care of these items throughout the season (soap!)

6. Letters and ScoringVarsity consists of the top seven individuals who are committed to the team goals.In a race, the first five finishers for the team count in the team scoring. Their individual places are added up

to create the team score (lowest score wins). The sixth and seventh runners are “pushers;” they can “push up” the score of another team should they finish ahead of a top five runner from another school.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Let’s have a great season!

Coach Jay Bee Davis Coach Chris Di Grazia Coach Nate McPhersondavisja@zbths.org digrazic@zbths.org mcphersn@ntzb.org(847) 731-9401 (847) 731-9371 (224) 558-9865

For more information, check us out on the web: www.zbxc.org and http://web.me.com/christinedigrazia/www.zbdc.org/Home.html

ZION BENTON CROSS COUNTRY - MOTIVATIONS FOR LIFE

We don’t want excuses, we want resultsNothing is successful until it is accomplished.Loyalty – if you work for a man, in heaven’s name, work for him, speak well of him and stand by the

institution he represents.It is so easy for all of us to more or less justify our own inefficiencies by criticizing others.The first characteristic a boy must have is a tremendous desire to excel. He must have the belief and

desire to do something better than anyone else – to be the best who ever lived.It is very easy to be ordinary, but it takes courage to excel, and we must excel.Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.He who knows and knows he knows, is wise – follow him.It is better to wear out than rust out. Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nice percent perspiration. Give me a team of men who hate to lose, and I’ll give you a winner. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be

alone than in bad company. Have ideals and live them.Many narrow-chested, spindly-legged runners who are built of wire and possess real fire are greater

runners than the perfect physical specimens.Strong men criticize themselves.When you’re through improving, you’re through. A good competitor never underestimates his opponent. There is no defense for the unexpected. A runner may be more clever than one, but no more clever than all.The cheers of athletic contests soon pass away, but sincere friendships live forever.Knowledge makes for confidence. If you did your best, then you won.The team that won’t be beaten can’t be beaten.Persistent people begin and succeed where others fail.Give the game the best you have and the best will come back to you.Think.Mediocrity is excellence to the mediocre.The right angle to approach any problem is the try-angle.We are never so good or so bad as we imagine.The boy who never is criticized is the one who should worry.Anything green grows; even athletes. What you eat today runs, hits and throws tomorrow.No price is too high to pay for a good reputation.Nature gives us talent but it is for man to make it work. If it is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well.Hard work can be fun.Sleep is a priceless treasure.A job poorly done stands as a witness against the man who did it.Doing a thing nearly right and doing it exactly right is usually the difference between success and

failure.Sow early and you will reap early.A team is only as strong as its weakest runner.You don’t put morale on like a coat. You build it day by day.Fight fairly but furiously.We will for Zion Benton High School.Don’t tell me how good you are – let me find out.When a boy does make a mistake he should feel it is a kind of a tragedy.A fellow teammate may be faster than you. He may have more skill, and he might be stronger and

have more endurance; but he should not be your superior in team spirit, fight, determination, ambition, and character.

Keep on your toes and you won’t get caught flat-footed.If what you did yesterday still looks big to you today, then you haven’t done much today.It is not so much what we know as how well we use what we know.The infinitely little have a pride infinitely great.It requires a strong constitution to withstand repeated attacks of prosperity. I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.I desire to conduct the affairs of this administration so that if at the end, when I come to lay down the

reins of power, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me.

Monuments! What are they? The very pyramids have forgotten their builders, or to whom they were dedicated. Deeds, not stones, are the true monuments of the great.

It is defeat that turns bones to flint, it is defeat that turns muscle to gristle, it is defeat that makes men invincible.

No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing your duty. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.Luck is when preparation meats opportunity.The greatest honor this nation can bestow upon the “unknown hero” would be to live for the things

for which he died.When you get kicked from the rear, it means you are in front.When a man feels that the world owes him a living, he is usually too lazy to collect it. When you call on a thoroughbred, he gives you all the speed, heart and sinew in him. When you call

on a jackass, he kicks.The team that makes the fewer mistakes wins. If a break goes against you, turn on the steam.“Fight on, my men,” Sir Andrews says, “A little I’m hurt, but yet not slaine; I’ll but lye downe and

bleede awhile, and then I’ll raise and fight againe.” –Sir Andrew BartonWinning is not everything, but it sure beats anything that comes in second.You can soon determine the caliber of a man by ascertaining the amount of opposition it takes to

discourage him.The rest of your days depend on the rest of your nights.The harder I work, the luckier I get.A moral victory is like kissing your sister. If better is even possible, good is not enough.Success is the result of hard work and honest effort.Be a champion in practice, that’s where champions are made.The All-American and All-State runner is the one who can run until he is dead tired, then he can run

some more.Don’t save yourself – we have capable boys to replace you.It’s a funny thing that the “wise guys” always seem to be working for the “dumb guys”.Don’t count the days – make the days count.When you are behind, don’t give up; when you are ahead, don’t let up.A house divided will fall, let’s all pull together.The daily degree of recovery from injury depends a lot on the fierce desire of the individual to fight on

and get well.You get out of any sport what you put into it.Give 100% all of the time.It is better to have fought and lost than to never have fought at all.Run hard, run tough, run rough, but run clean.Success is measure in what the team accomplished, not how you look. The day of the meet is the day to make good. The day after is too late. We must taste our own words as they go out, as taste food that goes in.There are only three things in life that you can NEVER get back – Opportunities, spoken words, and

time.Think like men of action – act like men of thought.Go into a meet believing you are going to do your best – then do it.Champions are MADE – not born!There isn’t any substitute for a boy who will practice.Don’t get beat – it’s an awful feeling.Defeat is your punishment. Take an interest in your teammates, they will take an interest in you. The more honor and respect among runners, the greater the team. The best runners help others; be best runners. Leadership is accepting responsibility.Why gripe? FIGHT!If you don’t run to win, why keep running?Don’t let failure get you down. Babe Ruth struck out 1300 times.Opponents will come nearer doing their worst if you are doing your best.In union there is strength.Were you meant to be a champion? Then WORK.Enter the meet a gentleman and leave the same way.Fight every second of every minute of every race.Run your own best race, don’t defeat yourself.Set your goals high. If you aim for the gutter that’s where you’ll end up.You make your own breaks by being alert to opponent’s mistakes.Obey training rules for condition, race rules for honor and respect.Concentrate on what you’re doing – then you won’t have time to tense up and worry.Confidence, like disease, is contagious.Act like a heel toward teammates and you’ll get walked on.Every boy has more talent than he will ever develop.Can you travel at top speed at the close of the race?Leaders are ordinary people – with extraordinary determinationHustle is the only indispensible quality of a champion.Losing can be habit forming – let’s not get into the habit.The real test of a runner comes when things don’t go to suit him.Cross Country is no fun when you lose – run to win.There is no secret to success – it’s just DIG, DIG, DIG.Your opponent may not be speedy, but he went by you when you were asleep.It’s the size of the fight in the man, not the size of the man in the fightBehind all upsets – a great desire to win.An optimist: “ A man fell from a hotel roof, and from each window bar he shouted to his friends above,

‘I’m doing alright so far.”Egotism is an anesthetic provided by nature to relieve the pain of being a fool.A person’s real size is determined by the size of the thing it takes to get his goat.One good idea put into action is worth a volume stored away in daydreams.Courtesy is a habit with real sportsmen.What is an ideal without a life? What is a life without an ideal?

If you would be a great runner, you must live in a cross country climate.

Don’t tell me how good you are – let me find out.When a boy does make a mistake he should feel it is a kind of a tragedy.A fellow teammate may be faster than you. He may have more skill, and he might be stronger and have more

endurance; but he should not be your superior in team spirit, fight, determination, ambition, and character.

Keep on your toes and you won’t get caught flat-footed.If what you did yesterday still looks big to you today, then you haven’t done much today.It is not so much what we know as how well we use what we know.The infinitely little have a pride infinitely great.It requires a strong constitution to withstand repeated attacks of prosperity. I believe the first test of a truly great man is his humility.I desire to conduct the affairs of this administration so that if at the end, when I come to lay down the reins

of power, I have lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left, and that friend shall be down inside of me.

Monuments! What are they? The very pyramids have forgotten their builders, or to whom they were dedicated. Deeds, not stones, are the true monuments of the great.

It is defeat that turns bones to flint, it is defeat that turns muscle to gristle, it is defeat that makes men invincible.

No personal consideration should stand in the way of performing your duty. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.Luck is when preparation meats opportunity.The greatest honor this nation can bestow upon the “unknown hero” would be to live for the things for

which he died.When you get kicked from the rear, it means you are in front.When a man feels that the world owes him a living, he is usually too lazy to collect it. When you call on a thoroughbred, he gives you all the speed, heart and sinew in him. When you call on a

jackass, he kicks.The team that makes the fewer mistakes wins. If a break goes against you, turn on the steam.“Fight on, my men,” Sir Andrews says, “A little I’m hurt, but yet not slaine; I’ll but lye downe and bleede

awhile, and then I’ll raise and fight againe.” –Sir Andrew BartonWinning is not everything, but it sure beats anything that comes in second.You can soon determine the caliber of a man by ascertaining the amount of opposition it takes to discourage

him.The rest of your days depend on the rest of your nights.The harder I work, the luckier I get.A moral victory is like kissing your sister. If better is even possible, good is not enough.Success is the result of hard work and honest effort.Be a champion in practice, that’s where champions are made.The All-American and All-State runner is the one who can run until he is dead tired, then he can run some

more.Don’t save yourself – we have capable boys to replace you.It’s a funny thing that the “wise guys” always seem to be working for the “dumb guys”.Don’t count the days – make the days count.When you are behind, don’t give up; when you are ahead, don’t let up.A house divided will fall, let’s all pull together.The daily degree of recovery from injury depends a lot on the fierce desire of the individual to fight on and

get well.You get out of any sport what you put into it.Give 100% all of the time.

It is better to have fought and lost than to never have fought at all.Run hard, run tough, run rough, but run clean.Success is measure in what the team accomplished, not how you look. The day of the meet is the day to make good. The day after is too late. We must taste our own words as they go out, as taste food that goes in.There are only three things in life that you can NEVER get back – Opportunities, spoken words, and time.Think like men of action – act like men of thought.Go into a meet believing you are going to do your best – then do it.Champions are MADE – not born!There isn’t any substitute for a boy who will practice.Don’t get beat – it’s an awful feeling.Defeat is your punishment. Take an interest in your teammates, they will take an interest in you. The more honor and respect among runners, the greater the team. The best runners help others; be best runners. Leadership is accepting responsibility.Why gripe? FIGHT!If you don’t run to win, why keep running?Don’t let failure get you down. Babe Ruth struck out 1300 times.Opponents will come nearer doing their worst if you are doing your best.In union there is strength.Were you meant to be a champion? Then WORK.Enter the meet a gentleman and leave the same way.Fight every second of every minute of every race.Run your own best race, don’t defeat yourself.Set your goals high. If you aim for the gutter that’s where you’ll end up.You make your own breaks by being alert to opponent’s mistakes.Obey training rules for condition, race rules for honor and respect.Concentrate on what you’re doing – then you won’t have time to tense up and worry.Confidence, like disease, is contagious.Act like a heel toward teammates and you’ll get walked on.Every boy has more talent than he will ever develop.Can you travel at top speed at the close of the race?Leaders are ordinary people – with extraordinary determinationHustle is the only indispensible quality of a champion.Losing can be habit forming – let’s not get into the habit.The real test of a runner comes when things don’t go to suit him.Cross Country is no fun when you lose – run to win.There is no secret to success – it’s just DIG, DIG, DIG.Your opponent may not be speedy, but he went by you when you were asleep.It’s the size of the fight in the man, not the size of the man in the fightBehind all upsets – a great desire to win.An optimist: “ A man fell from a hotel roof, and from each window bar he shouted to his friends above, ‘I’m

doing alright so far.”Egotism is an anesthetic provided by nature to relieve the pain of being a fool.A person’s real size is determined by the size of the thing it takes to get his goat.One good idea put into action is worth a volume stored away in daydreams.Courtesy is a habit with real sportsmen.What is an ideal without a life? What is a life without an ideal?If you would be a great runner, you must live in a cross country climate.

CHAPTER 15: SELFLESS - Suggested Reading by Christian Gordon - Class of 2011 - Captain ZBXC

There Is No I in TeamThis chapter begins with the story of an amazing man named Philip Toosey, who joined the

British Territorial Army in 1927 because he wanted to develop aspects of himself other than his career in banking and commodities trading. In 1939, when war broke out in Europe, now Major Toosey and his unit were called to active service, fighting first in France, then fight to defend Singapore from theJapanese. When it was obvious that the British would have to surrender Singapore, he was ordered to leave his men and ship out, so that his expertise could be used elsewhere. Toosey, as a Territorial rather than a regular army officer, was allowed to refuse on that ground. He knew that leaving his menwould have a demoralizing effect on them, and he chose to stay with them. In 1942, he became a Japanese prisoner, alone with the rest of his men. They were assigned to a POW camp near the Kwae River.

There he was given an assignment by the Japanese to build first a wooden and then steel and concrete bridges across the river. Although he wanted to refuse the assignment, Toosey knew that the reprisals would be "immediate, physical, and severe." Facing this terrible reality, he chose to ask his fellow prisoners to do as their captors asked. But Toosey "risked his life daily by standing up for his men and arguing for increased rations, regular working house, and a day off each week." In taking responsibility as he did, though, he suffered regular beatings, and other tortures, yet he caused theJapanese to improve conditions for the prisoners. In ten months, the Japanese had their bridges, and only nine prisoners lost their lives in the process. Later, as the commander of a POW camp hospital, Toosey showed the same courage and selflessness in serving the men in his care. The men were always his first concern, and he took responsibility for infractions whenever possible. When the war ended, he traveled over three hundred miles to find the scattered men of his regiment and to determine that they were safe. After a three weeks vacation, he resumed his prewar work at the merchant bank Barings.

Fleshing It Out

Poet W. H. Auden said, "We're here on earth to do good for others. What the others are here for, I don't know." Putting others ahead of ourselves isn't easy, but it is the way to progress.

1. Be GenerousSt. Francis of Assissi stated, "All getting separates you from others, all giving unites to others." Maxwell says, "The heart of selflessness is generosity." A team whose members act by these rules will succeed.

2. Display LoyaltyJust as Colonel Toosey was loyal to his men, they repaid him in kind. Loyalty not only fosters loyalty, it fosters unity, and unity breeds team success.

3. Value Interdependence Over IndependenceIn this country, we tend to value independence because it often brings with it innovation, diligence, and a sense of justice. But too much independence can result in selfishness and self-centeredness.

Reflecting On ItWhat kind of team player are you? Do you put others ahead of yourself? Do you celebrate the success of others when they are in the limelight? If you are bumped off the starting line-up, how do handle it?

Bringing It HomePromote someone other than yourself. If you are in the habit of often talking about your own successes, turn that praises on someone else for a few weeks.

Practice saying positive things about the actions and qualities of other, especiallyto your superiors, family and close friends.

Take a subordinate role. For a day, be the servant. Let others go first. Be the onewho serves for a week and see if your attitude changes.

Give secretly. Think about why you give to others. "If you give to others onyour team without their knowing it, they cannot repay you." This may be aradical idea for some, but everyone should try it just to see how good itfeels.

Daily Take-AwayThe chapter ends with a sad and funny story about a football massacre back in1916. Near the end of the game the ball was snapped, but the quarterbackfumbled it and he cried out to the others, "Pick it up! Pick it up!" The fullback,tired of being slammed to the ground by the opponents, yelled back to thequarterback, "Pick it up yourself - you dropped it." That team lost the 222 to 0.To be on the winning team, look for opportunities to pick up the ball if someonefumbles . . . and quietly hand it back to them.

Phyllis Rambin, School of the 21st Century CoordinatorCedar Ridge School District (Newark), Newark, AR

Bringing It HomePromote someone other than yourself. If you are in the habit of often talking about your own successes, turn that praises on someone else for a few weeks.

Practice saying positive things about the actions and qualities of other, especially to your superiors, family and close friends.

Take a subordinate role. For a day, be the servant. Let others go first. Be the one who serves for a week and see if your attitude changes.

Give secretly. Think about why you give to others. "If you give to others on your team without their knowing it, they cannot repay you." This may be a radical idea for some, but everyone should try it just to see how good it feels.

Daily Take-AwayThe chapter ends with a sad and funny story about a football massacre back in 1916. Near the end of the game the ball was snapped, but the quarterback fumbled it and he cried out to the others, "Pick it up! Pick it up!" The fullback, tired of being slammed to the ground by the opponents, yelled back to the quarterback, "Pick it up yourself - you dropped it." That team lost the 222 to 0. To be on the winning team, look for opportunities to pick up the ball if someone fumbles . . . and quietly hand it back to them.

Phyllis Rambin, School of the 21st Century CoordinatorCedar Ridge School District (Newark), Newark, AR

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Flight of the Bumble BEE!

According to the greatest minds of science, it cannot fly. Its wings aren't big enough. Aerodynamics says it is impossible. The biggest computers in the world all come to the same conclusion, it can't fly. But what does the bumblebee do? It ignores the great minds, the skeptics, the computers... and it just goes ahead and flies!!!!

GO BEES!!!!!!

The Star ThrowerThere was a man who was walking along a sandy beach where thousands of

starfish had been washed up on the shore. He noticed a boy picking thestarfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. The man observedthe boy for a few minutes and then asked what he was doing. The boy replied

that he was returning the starfish to the sea, otherwise they would die.The man asked how saving a few, when so many were doomed, would make any

difference whatsoever? The boy picked up a starfish and threw it back intothe ocean and said "Made a difference to that one..."

The man left the boy and went home, deep in thought of what the boy hadsaid.  He soon returned to the beach and spent the rest of the day helping

the boy throw starfish in to the sea....

Who will YOU make a difference for today?

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Your ATTITUDE creates your REALITY!

Zion Benton Cross Country =

Positive

Mental

Attitude

Words to Live By! - Zion Benton Distance CrewAdapted from a list created by Harry Schneider – Centereach High School, New YorkCompliment three people every day.Watch a sunrise at least once a year.Have a firm handshake.Look people in the eye.Say “Thank You” a lot.Listen to your favorite music all alone every week.Sing along with songs that you like.Stand at attention and put your had over your heart when singing the National Anthem.Be the first to say “hello”.Return all things you borrow.Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.Keep secrets.Never give up on anyone.Remember that miracles happen every day.Show respect for your teachers, the police, and for your elders.Don’t waste time learning the “tricks of the trade”; instead, learn the trade.Control your temper.Put the cap back on the toothpaste. Take out the garbage without being told.Smile a lot. Smile at one person at least once each hour for a day.Take responsibility for every thing that you do, or fail to do.Accept a compliment with a simple “thank you”.Live so that when others think of integrity, fairness, and kindness, they think of you.Use your sense of humor to amuse, not abuse.Dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s”.Be brave; even if you’re not, pretend to be, because no one can tell the difference.Don’t take good health and your body for granted.Don’t mess with drugs, alcohol, or smoking; enjoying life will give you everything the drugs could give you.Avoid sarcastic remarks.Earn trust, and learn to trustRefill ice cube trays.Choose your friends carefully; you will influence each other greatly. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who’ll never find out.Don’t miss late.Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.Never cheat.Learn CPR.Learn to listen; opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.Know how to tie a tie.Remember people’s names.When people are relating an important even that happened to them, don’t try to top them with a story of your own; let them have the stage. Be on time.Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.Strive for excellence, not perfection.Avoid negative people.Be neat.Realize that the person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.Be kinder than necessary.Give people a second chance, but not a third.Never take action when you’re angry.Battle against prejudice or discrimination wherever you find it.Let people know what you stand for, and what you won’t stand for.Ask WhyMeasure people by the size of their heart.Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.Have good posture.Enter a room with purpose and confidence.Don’t forget, a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.Show respect for all living things.Loosen up, relax.Commit yourself to constant self improvement.Remember that being a good loser is different than not caring about losing.Don’t major in minor things.Praise in public, criticize in private.When someone hugs you, let him or her be the first to let go.Know that good manners matter.Keep your promises; promise and deliver.Save some money each week.Recognize that you only have one chance to make a first impression.Respect tradition.Hang out with people smarter than yourself.Be modest; a lot was accomplished before you arrived.Lie on your back and watch the clouds or the stars. Remember that overnight success takes about three years.Leave everything a little better than you found it.Think of what you would change in yourself, and then change it.Realize how you affect others.Practice empathy; try to see things from other people’s point of view.Never criticize others’ family.Don’t say you don’t have enough time; you have exactly the same number of hours as the rest of us do.Remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do.Live your life with an exclamation, not an explanation.Live so that when you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than those you did.Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.Keep a dictionary on your desk at home.Never eat the last cookie.Be grateful and acknowledge those who help you.Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.Pay attention to details.Be a self-starter.Pay your fair share.Remain curious about your ability.Don’t litter.Don’t flaunt your success, but don’t apologize for it either.Don’t procrastinate; do it now.Waste no opportunities, because they can never be regained. Become someone’s hero.Remember that quitters never win and winners never quit.Believe that the future belongs to those who prepare for it.Assure success through persistence and determination!

Never take action when you’re angry.Battle against prejudice or discrimination wherever you find it.Let people know what you stand for, and what you won’t stand for.Ask WhyMeasure people by the size of their heart.Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.Have good posture.Enter a room with purpose and confidence.Don’t forget, a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.Show respect for all living things.Loosen up, relax.Commit yourself to constant self improvement.Remember that being a good loser is different than not caring about losing.Don’t major in minor things.Praise in public, criticize in private.When someone hugs you, let him or her be the first to let go.Know that good manners matter.Keep your promises; promise and deliver.Save some money each week.Recognize that you only have one chance to make a first impression.Respect tradition.Hang out with people smarter than yourself.Be modest; a lot was accomplished before you arrived.Lie on your back and watch the clouds or the stars. Remember that overnight success takes about three years.Leave everything a little better than you found it.Think of what you would change in yourself, and then change it.Realize how you affect others.Practice empathy; try to see things from other people’s point of view.Never criticize others’ family.Don’t say you don’t have enough time; you have exactly the same number of hours as the rest of us do.Remember that winners do what losers don’t want to do.Live your life with an exclamation, not an explanation.Live so that when you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than those you

did.Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.Keep a dictionary on your desk at home.Never eat the last cookie.Be grateful and acknowledge those who help you.Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.Pay attention to details.Be a self-starter.Pay your fair share.Remain curious about your ability.Don’t litter.Don’t flaunt your success, but don’t apologize for it either.Don’t procrastinate; do it now.Waste no opportunities, because they can never be regained. Become someone’s hero.Remember that quitters never win and winners never quit.Believe that the future belongs to those who prepare for it.Assure success through persistence and determination!

Zion Benton Cross Country ‘All Time Greats!’

***Notice the team avg. improvement year to year!***

Pre – Season Time Trial at Van Patten Woods – 5k80 degrees and Sunny

8/19/10

Name

Noel GonzalezPhilip MeyerAndrew NtimTim AthansTrevor DuBoisMike BeemChristian GordonNick KremerIsaac MurrayPrentiss GrantJohn EllisTrell WalkerDerek NystromSean ZatzReece Johnson

Micah BohonTime

17:1918:1818:2718:4919:1819:5420:4520:4721:2422:1326:2926:2926:3027:0137:16

37:45Year

SrSoFrJrJrSrSrFrFrSrSoSrSoJrSo

SoDiff from 9/14/09+27

-17+36

-24

+1:32-53

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At Zion, we run for HONOR. We run for those who have run before us and those who will run after us. We are part of a TRADITION. Leave the ZBXC PROGRAM better than you found it.