You don't have to wait for high school. Middle schools don't offer cross country or indoor track — which means 8th graders are eligible to compete in both for the high school they're zoned for. If you're zoned for Tucker, you're a Tiger.
Two things have to be true:
You're an 8th grader zoned for J.R. Tucker High School
Your middle school doesn't offer the sport (they don't offer cross country or indoor track)
That's it. Email us and we'll walk you and your family through the rest (If you aren't zoned for Tucker, contact the high school you are zoned for!)
Get properly fitted before you start running volume. Go to a local specialty running shop, ask for a gait analysis, and buy real running shoes.
We recommend P.R. Run & Walk in Westchester Commons. Tell them you're with Tucker — student-athletes get 15 percent off and our team gets a $5 donation for every pair sold.
Almost every 8th grader starts on our Baby Tigers plan — it's built for a first season of running. If you've already been running consistently, talk to us and we'll place you where you belong.
Record your training in our Summer Training Log, a notebook, or Strava (join our Strava Group).
Summer workouts and official practice are the same for you as for everyone else on the team — same times, same places, same expectations. Details go out on Band.
Bring to every practice: running shoes, a water bottle with your name on it, a running watch (a $10 digital from Walmart works fine), a post-run snack, and a towel.
Pro-Tip: Running as an 8th grader means you'll be a four-year varsity athlete with an extra season of training under you. That's a real head start.
Parents especially — reach out. We're happy to explain the whole process and speak with you about our team, training philosophy, and answer whatever questions you might have.
Coach Nici | nicithomas@gmail.com
Coach Jay | wyssjf@gmail.com