The ‘ROO RATS (short for Kangaroo Rat) are pleased to offer our youth ages 8-18 years the opportunity to experience the team sport of Cross Country. Offered through the San Luis Distance Club and its volunteer coaches, this will be our eleventh season and will begin in August through December. We will be attending some local youth cross country meets and five to six out of area larger meets. Racing distances will vary from 1600m (mile) to 5000m (3.1 miles) depending upon the age group. The team will consist of athletes motivated to achieve optimal physical fitness and advance in their age group to the fullest extent of their ability.

Team practice will be held at least twice a week on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm and on Thursday at 4:30 pm.. Practice will alternate between the Cuesta Fairbanks Cross Country course, Cal-Poly Track, and Cal-Poly Canyon. In addition, there will be assigned practices for the week that the athlete will need to complete. Any additional training must be cleared with the coach to help avoid over training. Each practice will develop skills from the previous practice; therefore, athletes are encouraged to attend every practice. A typical practice will consist of proper strengthening exercises; warm-up; core workout; cool-down and stretching routine. Efficient running form will be stressed. Hydration and nutrition will be taught throughout the season. There will be a first aid bag and cell phone available at all practices and meets.

Parental participation in the form of transportation to and from practice and Cross Country meets will be necessary.

Children wishing to be a member of the team will need:

   San Luis Distance Club Membership (Included)

   Running shoes (no older than 6 months and definitely no cross trainers or high tops)

   An additional pair of racing flats for competitions is encouraged

   A pair of sweats or warm jacket

   Running shorts or tights and shirt (no long pants or jeans)

   Water bottle filled with water

   Large towel or beach towel for grass areas

   Team Uniform (Supplied)

   Membership to USA Track & Field (before Nov. 1st)

There will be a team fee of $150.00 which includes a Team singlet and shorts and membership to the San Luis Distance Club for the season and in which a monthly newsletter with the children’s results for each meet will be published. (Dues for children from the same family will be $120.00) Team snacks at competitions and an end of season Awards Recognition is also included.

About coaching: The San Luis Distance Club coaches are volunteers. They have extensive experience in their sport, physical conditioning and sports injuries and have worked with children in team sports and/or Special Olympics. Coach Barodte is the founder of the ‘ROO RATS, ran in high school and college and throughout, has many years in the medical field, has lived in Los Osos over 20 years, is certified in Massage Therapy and is a Certified U.S.A. Track & Field Level I Coach.

Discounts on running shoes and gear available to Team and Club members at:

The Running Warehouse  735 Buckley Rd.                   San Luis Obispo           781-6646          

Venue Sports               4035 South Higuera                  San Luis Obispo           781-3790

GH Sports                    144 Hind Lane  #110               San Luis Obispo           877-428-9447 (Toll Free) 

Please make checks payable to:            S.L.D.C. – ‘ROO RATS

Thank you for your interest. We look forward to working with your child and watching him/her grow and gain self-esteem and confidence in their athletic abilities. For further questions, contact:  Jim Barodte, Youth Coach