“Where the Best Meet the Best!”

(16 of the best performance in the state in each event compete for top honors!)

Welcome to Grand Rapids Public Schools

Teresa Weatherall Neal Superintendent of Schools

Dear Students, Parents, Prospective Parents, and Community Stakeholders: For more than 150 years, our highly qualified, dedicated and compassionate educators have been serving the children and families of this great community. We have a long standing tradition and legacy of cultivating the talents of our students so they may achieve their greatest potential and go on to change the world. We have produced astronauts, U.S. Senators, Mayors, movie stars, nuclear scientists, famous authors, a Nobel Peace prize winner, professional athletes, Civil Rights leaders, industrialists, and a First Lady of the United States of America, just to name a few. This is because of our deep rooted belief that all children can reach their academic potential through effort, high expectations, and strong support systems. GRPS has more than 1,400 highly qualified teachers who rank among the best, most dedicated, hard working educational professionals in this entire state. This includes more than 170 highly qualified, bilingual teachers and support staff that help set this district apart from the rest in serving English Language Learners. Just recently, the State Superintendent named one of our Ottawa Hills High School teachers the 2012-2013 Michigan Teacher of the Year. I believe this speaks volumes and is truly symbolic of the tremendous talent we have in this district working to support the success of our students.

Athletic Vision Statement

“Grand Rapids Public Schools will create educational opportunities and experiences, through athletics, that will enhance student achievement, student development and school culture.”

January 1, 2016

Dear Coach,

There is a new Track & Field invitational coming in 2016 and we are extending a special invitation to you and your program.

The Grand Rapids Elite Challenge is set to convene spring 2016 at the historic Julius Houseman Field Stadium located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The new invitational promises to be an experience that all runners will aspire to attend.

What make this event new and different will be the types of events that will be featured along with the qualifying standard to appear in such a meet. The meet will be hosting a series of relays not commonly found in traditional invitationals in this area. It will also have appearances and performances from 5th grades up to 12th grades for both boys and girls in these specialty events.

This new meet will bring together the top performances in the state for a day of competition and fun. So, we are sending you this informational packet for you to mark your calendar and make plans to be in attendance with your qualifying athletes to perform and compete on our West Michigan community stage for Track & Field.

Space is limited and the selection process is intense as there are many top level performances to consider.

Please review the contents of the packet carefully and start your planning NOW! We cheerfully look forward to your response in the very near future.

Thank you.

Best wishes for continued success this school year.

Sincerely,

Kurt D. Johnson Dan Ebright Tony Shellman Dan Droski Executive Director Varsity Coach Varsity Coach Varsity Coach

Marcus Harris Justin Walker Nicholas Kampmueller Matthew Verley Athletic Director Athletic Director Finiancial/Events Middle School Coordinator Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 2 Welcome & GRPS Athletic Vision Statement

Page 3 Elite Challenge Flyer

Page 4 Letter to Coaches

Page 6 High School – Boys and Girls

Page 9 Event line-up and standards

Page 11 High School – List of events

Page 12 Event Descriptions

Page 14 Elementary and Junior High/Middle School

Page 16 Notes

Page 18 Elite Challenge Check List

Page 19 Admissions and Fees

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS – 2016 (Submit Entry online at Athletic.net)

1. All high school competitors must compete for their high school teams and be cleared for competition by the school Athletic Director or Principal/Headmaster. Relay teams must consist of runners from the same school.

2. Competition in the High School Division of the Elite Challenge is under the supervision of official representatives of the meet officials. To be eligible for competition in the Elite Challenge High School events, a school must conform to the following: a. Be a member in good standing or recognized as an allied member in good standing of its own State High School Athletic Association (e.g., MHSAA, OHSAA, IHSA) b. If not so recognized or a member of the MHSAA, it must be approved by GRPS Athletics Elite Challenge Executive Director as having eligibility standards which conform to or are more strict than those of the State Association. c. Specific eligibility requirements, such as that of age limit, shall be those established by the State High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) under which they regularly compete. However, in no instance may an athlete exceed the following limits:

Age limit: athlete may not turn 19 before the first day of school in the competition year. High School attendance limit: 8 semesters, students are eligible, as are students who may have been invited based on performance in the 2014-15 or 2015-16 school years.

3. Any Michigan school that is not a member of the MHSAA and wishes to participate in relays and elite individual events must have its principal or headmaster request, in writing request, special permission and admittance to the Elite Challenge involving Non-Member Schools to the GRPS Athletic Office. The approved request binds those schools to complying with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) eligibility requirements. The signed request of this form must be received by the GRPS Athletic Office no later than April 1, 2016.

Non-member schools from states other than Michigan must be approved or recommended for competition by the GRPS Athletic Office in order to compete in relays or elite individual events.

4. Team Membership: No athlete may participate with two different affiliations in the Grand Rapids Elite Challenge.

5. Rules of Competition: The rules of competition for the Elite Challenge shall be the 2015 Official MHSAA Rules Book, except where the longtime practices, special facilities, and special written rules of Houseman Field Facility may require otherwise.

6. Relay Substitutions: The standard rules regarding replacement on relays will apply for all levels (elementary thru high school). This allows for two substitutions. Only four medals will be awarded. Relay apparel of participant runners must be identical.

7. Track and Field Surfaces: at Houseman Field all jumping surfaces and the runways are synthetic surfaces of 3/8″ thickness.

8. Spikes: Only 1/4″ spikes are allowed. No corkscrew or needle spikes will be allowed. Pyramid spikes ONLY. Spikes will be checked!!!

9. Checkpoints: Relay zone and jumping event checkpoints may be marked with standard Biodegradable Chalk only! No other items may be used, including trainer’s tape, powder, duct tape, masking tape, tacks or safety pins!!!

10. Starting Blocks will be provided by Elite Challenge and Houseman Field (facility) where the use of blocks is considered essential. This includes finals of all hurdle races and finals of all High School relays starting in lanes. No starting blocks other than these provided will be permitted on the field.

11. Ties: Running event ties will be broken by re-reading the photo-timer images to one- thousandth of a second. All field event ties are broken by the next best attempt.

12. Lane Priority: Turn Races (8 lanes) 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8

13. Verification of Receipt of Entries: The Grand Rapids Elite Challenge will not accept entries of elite individual events after the deadlines April 18th. Coaches should email [email protected] to verify that their entries have been received. In emergencies, coaches may call before the deadline (616-819-3168). Please do not call for this information on other days.

14. Notice of Acceptance: Acceptance into events for both boys and girls grades 5th thru 12th will be posted on the website www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge and Athletic.net. All teams not listed are rejected and will not be allowed to compete.

15. Results will be posted on the website www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge and Athletic.net as soon as possible. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.

18. Jury of Appeals will be chaired by Lew Clingman. A written request must accompany an appeal. The Elite Challenge has no official video aside from the official timing system, and no independent video may be used in protests or appeals.

HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS AND GIRLS 2016

Elite individual event performances must be achieved during the 2015 or 2016 seasons (outdoors or indoors). All marks must be achieved in meets among at least two schools. Marks not readily verifiable in local, regional or national track & field periodicals or on acceptable local, regional or national websites must include supporting documentation.

Standards for all entries all grades boys and girls:

Time Events Qualifying Time 8:00 AM Gates Open 9:00 AM Open Field Events (3 entries per school)  Pole Vault (girls first)  Discus (boys first, 4 throws)  Long Jump (open pit 9am-11am)  Shot Put (girls first, 4 throws)  High Jump 9:00 AM High School Open 1600m (4 entries per school) (estimate 2 boy’s heats, 2 girl’s heats) 9:45 AM High School Shuttle Hurdle Relay – 4 boys, 4 girls heats 10:30 AM High School Elite 1600 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat Boys (4:32) Girls (5:20) 10:45 AM High School Elite 400 – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats Boys (52.0 FAT) Girls (62.0 FAT) 11:05 AM High School Elite 110/100 hurdles – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats Boys (15.5 FAT), Girls (16.4 FAT)

11:25 AM High School Elite 800 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat Boys (2:02) Girls (2:25) 11:35 AM “Eubanks 100” High School Elite 100 – 2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats Boys (11.4 FAT), Girls (13.3 FAT)

11:50 AM High School Elite Field Event  Pole Vault (girls first) Girls – 10’; Boys – 13’3”  Discus (boys first) Girls – 94’; Boys – 128’  Long Jump (4 Jumps) Girls - 15’3; Boys – 20’  Shot Put (girls first) Girls – 31’6”; Boys – 46’6”  High Jump Girls – 4’10”; Boys – 6’ 12:20 PM Elementary and Middle School 100m (4 boy’s, 4 girl’s heats) Boys 7-8 (12.24 FAT or 12.0 HT), Girls 7-8 (13.44 FAT or 13.2 HT), Boys 5-6 (15.24 FAT or 15.0 HT), Girls 5-6 (15.64 FAT or 15.4 HT) 11:50 AM Elementary and Middle School 1600 (2 boy’s, 2 girl’s heats) Boys 7-8 (5:30), Girls 7-8 (6:00), Boys 5-6 (6:00), Girls 5-6 (6:30)

12:40 PM Elementary and Middle School 4 x 100m relay (2 boys, 2 girls Boys 7-8 (50.5), Girls 7-8 (56.0), heats) Boys 5-6 (1:05), Girls 5-6 (1:10) 1:00 PM High School 4 x 200m relay - 2 boys, 2 girls heats 1:20 PM High School Elite 3200 – 1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat Boys (10:00), Girls (11:25) 1:45 PM High School 4 x 100m – 2 boys, 2 girls heats 2:15 PM High School 4 x 800m relay 1 boys, 1 girls heat 2:45 PM High School Swedish Relay – 2 boys, 2 girls heats 3:15 PM High School Distance Medley Relay (1 boy’s, 1 girl’s heat) 4:00 PM High School 4 x 400m relay 2 boys, 2 girls heat

*In the event that there are less than 16 entries the next best 9 performances will be considered for entry in the elite events. (Submit entry online at Athletic.net)

Achievement of the previous listed standards does not guarantee acceptance.

Size of fields as listed under event headings are approximate and will be adjusted as circumstances require. Event starting times may change (as much prior notification as possible will be provided-no guarantees).

Updating Team or Individual Times:

Submission of updated team relay times or individual times must be approved and acceptable times achieved in approved and acceptable competitions. For consideration, not an absolute guarantee, submission must be made to Athletic.net by April 18th and must be verifiable.

All deadlines must be met for updated times submissions. THIS IS THE COACH’S RESPONSIBILITY. DO NOT CALL THE ATHLETIC OFFICE WITH UPDATES. These times will be used by the Elite Challenge in selecting the limited number of teams and individuals to compete and in seeding sections. Accepted entrants will be posted on the website on Athletic.net and www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge (all relays/all events). Entrants not on this list will not be allowed to compete.

HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS AND GIRLS

 4x100m Relay. Lane Priority: 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8.  4x200m Relay.  4x400m Relay.  4x800m Relay  Distance Medley Relay (1200-400-800-1600).  Swedish Relay (100, 200, 300, 400)  Shuttle Hurdle Relay  110/100m Hurdles  Eubanks 100m  400m  800m  1600m Run. Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry whether the qualifying mark was run at 1600m or Mile.  3200m Run. Coaches must clearly indicate on the entry form whether the qualifying mark was run at 3200m or 2-Miles.  High Jump. Open: will be running two pits. Starting heights Boys – 5’8” (2” raises) Girls – 4’6” (2” raises). Elite: 16 top qualifiers.  Pole Vault. Open: will be running two pits. Starting heights Boys – 11’ (6” raises) Girls – 7’6” (6” raises). Elite: 16 top qualifiers  Long Jump. Open: open pit 9am-10am. Elite: 16 top qualifiers  Shot Put. Open: girls first, 4 throws. Elite: 16 top qualifiers. Competitors should bring their own approved and acceptable weighted high school shots (international junior implements may not be used).  Discus Throw. Open: boys first, 4 throws. Elite: 16 top qualifiers. Competitors should bring their own approved and acceptable weighted high school discs (international junior implements may not be used).

EVENTS DESCRIPTIONS AND RULES

RELAYS

All relays will follow the guidelines of the USATF Officials Best Practices.

All Relay Participants MUST be dressed identical and no jewelry worn!

Shuttle Hurdle Relay High School

A shuttle hurdle relay race consists of four athletes on a team, each team occupying two adjacent lanes on the track, with the #1 and #3 runners on the team running in one direction and the #2 and #4 runners running in the opposite direction. The runners on each team go in sequence from 1 to 4. Since each team occupies two side by side lanes, there are a maximum of only 4 teams in any one heat for an 8-lane track. There is no baton used in this race.

When the gun goes off, the #1 runner starts out for each team and when he or she crosses the finish line at the other end of the track, the #2 runner can start, this time running in the opposite direction. Hurdle shuttle relays are wild events and often you will see hurdlers going in opposite directions on the track at the same time.

4 x 100 Meter Relay High School/Middle School/Elementary

How it works

Four sprinters, in the same designated lane, each run 100m to complete a lap of the track. During their individual legs they have to carry a baton that must be passed to the next runner within a 20m changeover box that’s situated 10m before and 10m after the start of each subsequent leg. The outgoing runner usually runs at full speed with an arm stretched out behind in order to receive the baton. Failure to adhere to the baton-changing rules results in a team’s disqualification. Slick handovers can compensate for a lack of basic speed – but dropping the baton is a regular occurrence.

The first team across the finish line, baton in hand, wins.

4 x 200 Meter Relay High School

How it works

Four sprinters, in the same designated lane, each run 200m to complete a lap of the track. During their individual legs they have to carry a baton that must be passed to the next runner within a 20m changeover box that’s situated 10m before and 10m after the start of each subsequent leg. The outgoing runner usually runs at full speed with an arm stretched out behind in order to receive the baton. Failure to adhere to the baton-changing rules results in a team’s disqualification. Slick handovers can compensate for a lack of basic speed – but dropping the baton is a regular occurrence.

The first team across the finish line, baton in hand, wins.

4 x 400 Meter Relay High School

How it works

Four athletes each complete one 400m lap. The first lap is run in designated lanes, as is the second - until the beginning of the back straight. Thereafter runners usually battle to hold the inside line. Each runner must carry a baton during his or her leg and hand it to the subsequent runner within the changeover zone, which is sited 10m either side of what will be finish line.

4 x 800 Meter Relay High School

How it works

Four athletes each complete one 800m lap. The first lap is run in designated lanes, as is the second - until the beginning of the back straight. Thereafter runners usually battle to hold the inside line. Each runner must carry a baton during his or her leg and hand it to the subsequent runner within the changeover zone, which is sited 10m either side of what will be finish line.

Swedish Relay (aka Sprint Medley Relay) High School

How it works

The “Swedish Relay” is 1000 meters in length (two and a half laps), comprising 4 legs in order of 100m, 200m, 300m, & 400m. It is also called the medley relay and mostly used in youth competitions.

One-turn stagger

You start with blocks at the regular 200m start line. The first leg goes 100m to the 4x100m relay exchange, where the 2nd runner goes 200m and breaks for the pole, and runs until the 1500m start line. There, the 3rd leg runs the traditional 300m (straight, curve, straight) followed by the 400m anchor leg. With the 400 meters being the last leg, anything goes.

Distance Medley Relay High School

How it works

The “distance medley relay” is made up of a 1200 meter leg (three laps on a standard 400 meter track), a 400 meter leg (one lap), an 800 meter leg (two laps), and a 1600 meter leg (four laps) in that order. The total distance run is 4000 meters, or nearly 2.5 miles.

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

100 Meter Dash “Eubanks 100” High School/Middle School/Elementary

110/100 Meter Hurdles High School

400 Meters High School

800 Meters High School

1600 Meters High School/Middle School/Elementary

3200 Meters High School

Field Events High School

Open 1600m High School

ELEMENTARY, JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL, SCHOOL ELIGIBILITY AND COMPETITION RULES — 2016 (Submit Entry online at Athletic.net)

1. Rules of Competition: The rules of competition for junior high schools, middle schools, parochial schools, and elementary schools for this meet shall be the 2015 Official MHSAA Track and Field and Cross County Rules Book, except where the longtime practices, special facilities, and special written rules of the Houseman Field may require otherwise. All junior high, middle and elementary school competitors must compete for their school district and be cleared for competition by the school principal. Relay teams must consist of runners from the same school district. Competition in the Elementary and Middle School Divisions of the Relay is under the guide rules of the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

2. Age Limit: Middle school and elementary student-athletes must be age appropriate to grade level.

3. Team Membership: No athlete may participate with two different affiliations in the meet.

4. Track and Field Surfaces: at Houseman Field the track is a synthetic surface of 3/8″ thickness.

5. Spikes: Junior High Schools, Middle Schools and Parochial Schools may wear spikes if they are allowed by their group. Shoes will be checked by the clerks. Spikes may be worn for the Elementary and Middle School Races.

6. Checkpoints: Relay zone checkpoints may be marked with standard Biodegradable Chalk only! No other items may be used, including trainer’s tape, powder, duct tape, masking tape, tacks or safety pins.

7. Starting Blocks are permitted in junior high school, middle school, parochial school or elementary school events.

8. Lane Priority: Turn Races (8 lanes) 4-5-3-6-2-7-1-8.

9. Results will be posted on Athletic.net and www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge as soon as possible. Results will not be supplied to coaches in the Press Area.

10. Jury of Appeals will be chaired by Lew Clingman. The Elite Challenge has no official video aside from the official timing system, and no independent video may be used in protests or appeals.

ELEMENTARY/JUNIOR/MIDDLE/ SCHOOL EVENTS – BOYS and GIRLS

 4x100m Relay. Middle School/Elementary  100 Meter Dash Middle School/Elementary  1600 Meter Run Middle School/Elementary

ELITE CHALLENGE HIGH SCHOOL PROTOCOL

Submit entry on Athletic.net. Note that online entry for High Schools must be concluded by April 18th. (EDT). You may enter any time until the deadline.

Check payable to Grand Rapids Public Schools. Confirmation of receipt of entry and payment is best verified on the web-site www.grps.org/athletics-elite-challenge. Please call the office ONLY in case of emergencies about whether we have received your entries.

If the check for your entry fee has been delayed, please let us know via e-mail to: [email protected]. Payment must be received on or by April 18th.

The names you enter on a relay are for the sake of the program. DO NOT LIST MORE THAN FOUR NAMES. You may run any eligible legitimate student whether listed or not.

As we wish to serve as many High Schools as possible and not reject anyone, we are listing a few items to guide you on your entries for Girls and Boys:

1. We will accept up to 16 teams (Relays, Open Field Events)

2. We will accept the 16 top qualifiers for each Elite event (Eubanks 100, Elite 400, Elite 800m, Elite 110/100 hurdles, Elite Pole Vault, Elite Discuss, Elite Long Jump, Elite Shot Put, Elite High Jump) except in the Elite 1600m, Elite 3200m which will be top 20.

NOTES

 Any person designated by the coach to pick up passes (other than those listed on the on-line entry) must present such authorization written on school letterhead stationery and signed by both the coach who signed the entry form and by the person picking up the passes.

 Anyone caught selling competitors’ or coaches’ passes or turning them over to scalpers is subject to prosecution. The numbers on your tickets have been recorded and will be matched against any tickets confiscated. Your team and school will be held accountable.

 There are no locker facilities. Teams should come dressed for competition.

 All athletes in uniform and coaches should enter through the west gate on Houseman Street. Busses used for transportation can park on Houseman Street, Heading North or on Diamond Street Heading South.

 There will be a designated area for tents. Check with management upon arrival.

 Please note that no doubling is permitted between any individual events (cannot compete in the Elite and Open section of same event).

 The first leg of the 4x100m and 4x400m will be allowed to use blocks.

 The areas along the fence will be restricted during competition. Please respect the needs of the athletes to hear instructions from the starters. There will be designated coaches’ boxes for all field events. Once your athlete has completed competition, coaches are asked to vacate the area.

 The Track will be open for warm-up prior to the beginning of the running section of the meet.

 A trainer will be on site, located in front of the Team Room on the Southeast side of the stadium.

 Medals awarded to top three places per event. No team score kept.

 Results will be posted on the Athletic.net on the Relays web site at www.grps.org/athletics- elite-challenge. Please do not ask for results in the press box.

 YOUR BIB NUMBERS WILL BE IN YOUR COACHES PACKET.

 Any person using a participant’s pass should carry school identification or be dressed in school uniform at all times. Lack of suitable identification is grounds for ejection.

 We urge you to bring a duffel bag so your athletes may put their things in it while on the track. They should give their bag to you or your manager before entering onto the track or competition areas. There are no bags, food or drink allowed on the infield. No footballs or Frisbees allowed.

 Umpires are stationed at the exchange zones; any unnecessary pushing or contact may be cause for disqualification. Please alert your lead-off person that cutting in too soon will be grounds for disqualification. All standard and acceptable relay rules will apply.

 The infield is reserved for PARTICIPATING ATHLETES ONLY! No parents, spectators or non-participants will be allowed on the infield during the meet.

 The Elite Challenge has an open facility (stadium) with several restricted areas. However, it is difficult to manage regarding security. While we do our best to provide a safe, secure meet, it is helpful if you watch your belongings carefully, never leaving them unattended, particularly in the stands. GRPS will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Grand Rapids Elite Challenge Invitational Meet Check List

STEPS INFORMATIONAL DETAILS CHECK STEP 1 Review packet and all contents STEP 2 Review events offered STEP 3 Decided on athlete entries (teams, individuals or both) STEP 4 Review all qualifying standards and documentation requirements Submit online entries on Athletic.net STEP 5 (If not a MHSAA member school please refer to page 6, number 3.)

STEP 6 Calculate meet fees based on entries and prepare payment for submission STEP 7 Follow and meet all deadlines set forth STEP 8 Plan all logistics for travel to and from the meet STEP 9 Review everything before submitting with payment Wait for email confirmation of receipt (make certain you provide a primary STEP 10 email address)

Admissions and Fees

General Admission (spectators) $5.00 per person Participants: Teams $150.00 per team ($75 if one gender) Individuals $10.00 per individual Parking (onsite) Cars/Vans $5.00 Buses FREE on street parking (no onsite parking for buses)

Concessions will be open during the entire event.

Sponsor List Grand Rapids Public Schools

Grand Rapids Public School Board Members The Grand Rapids Board of Education is comprised of nine dedicated and passionate individuals who are publicly elected to four year terms. The Board works closely with the Superintendent on policy, budget, legislative, academic, and operational matters to meet the mission of Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Tony Baker, Ph.D. Maureen Quinn Slade John Matias, Min, M.A. President of the Board Vice President of the Board Secretary of the Board

Monica Randles, MD Dr. José A. Flores Raynard Ross Treasurer Board Member Board Member

Wendy V. Falb, Ph.D. Pastor Nathaniel Moody David LaGrand Board Member Board Member Board Member