By Heather Carr & Brent Frederisy
Three weeks ago, according to head coach Brian Bivens, members of the team were spotted in the bike lanes by an FVHS alumni, who reportedly sent an e-mail to the athletic directory and track coaches blaming the coaching staff for being careless with safety. As a result, both the boys and girls teams were forced to hold practice within the school campus for the next two weeks until last Wednesday, when the ban was lifted.
While this has occurred before, this time the athletes were asked to copy a document stating that they would acknowledge the new policy by running on the sidewalk at all times and with traffic, and were informed that any violation of this contract could potentially result in being kicked off the team and/or restricting the team to practice within the school campus for the rest of the year.
These new guidelines were met with mixed reactions from the runners and coaching staff.
“I believe that running on concrete is a big danger facing our kids, as it is much harder than asphalt and tough on the body considering the distances we run,” stated Coach Pennell. “I find it safer to run in the bike lane than bike in the bike lane. Nevertheless, the rule has been placed and we must abide by it. The consequences of violating it far outweigh the reduced risk of running-related injury.”
“As a distance runner, I prefer to run off campus since its six to seven miles,” said Yen Hi Mai (’15) of the girls team.”It’s kind of ironic that a previous runner would turn in us to the activities director. But at the same time, I think our punishment is reasonable since we only have to stay on campus for two weeks and they are only doing this for our safety.”
According to athletic directors, the consequence is fair and is necessary to use as a precaution to the runners on the dangers of running in the bike lanes.
“There are three simple reasons [for punishing the cross-country team for running in the bike lane]: safety, safety, safety,” said co-athletic director Stephen Eggert. “For several years…we’ve asked cross-country boys and girls not to run in the street. Despite our repeated requests [not to run in the bike lanes], they have failed to meet them. We have spelled out the consequences could be, but are not limited to: further suspension and removal from athletics.”
However, as reported by the coaches and the administration, there have been very few instances of contact between athletes and drivers and those have never resulted in any serious injuries.
“I don’t see the difference between running in the bike lanes and biking in the bike lanes,” said a local runner who asked to remain anonymous. “Both have the same potential risks. So if runners from the team can’t run in the bike lane, shouldn’t those biking to and from school not be allowed to bike in it?”
