I almost think that they can't do too much in the summer as long as they're not racing too much or running speedwork. There are so many ways to look at the polls. I definately think that Valparaiso has not gotten the respect that we deserve over the last 10 years in the coaches poll. We've finished in the TOP 9 every year since 1990 but last year in one poll of coaches, we weren't even ranked in the TOP 20. This year in the pre- season poll we were ranked 11th.
Most perennial state contending teams, such as Valparaiso, have great middle school programs.
We have two middle schools which are the backbone to any successful sports program. Thomas Jefferson coached by Rich Bender, Matt Thomas, Scott Sienkowski, and Leo VanLaan are consistent in giving us a good group of incoming freshman and Ben Franklin has given us a few good ones over years also. I believe it is the ultimate responsibility of the High School coach to instill your philosophy within your middle school coaches and middle school athletes. Go watch their races and send them cards of encouragement and invite them to get involved in your High School program. The number one key in the transition from middle school is summer training.