Members of the Cross Country Team. Photo Courtesy of Watauga Yearbook
Earlier in the cross country season, a dress code re-enforcement was implemented for players to wear shirts while running during all Watauga High School sports activities. While the idea of wearing shirts when running seems reasonable, it has received negative responses from the cross country team.
“I feel like it was unnecessary,” said Vivian Rushing, junior, who has been on the team for three years. “There was never a problem before, so I don’t understand why there is one now.”
Before this decision, cross country had normalized not wearing any shirts while running during their rigorous practices and meets. This return to policy came as a surprise to the team whenever their coach explained that they must keep the shirts on or they would go against the administration dress code.
Athletic Director Dustin Kerley speaks in support of the dress code.
“I feel it is most appropriate for students to wear shirts at all times during practices, games, or anytime really when on campus or when representing Watauga Athletics at any site or venue,” said Kerley.
Kerley, who coaches the Men's Varsity Football team, is keeping the tensions of cross country down by enforcing the dress code through him and their coaches.
“It should be enforced by myself as well as all of our coaches and then be consistent with accountability and follow-up if issues arise,” said Kerley.
Athletes on the cross country team still miss having the choice to wear a shirt or go without.
“Running with a shirt on is definitely less comfortable than without, particularly when we're doing a hard workout or going on a long run,” said Miles Page, a junior on the cross-country team.
Some members of the team had hoped that the enforcement of the policy might not apply to off-campus sites, like the Greenway, but the policy applies to all practices and events while on campus or not.
“Even while running on the Greenway we have to keep our shirts on,” said Rushing. “This can make running harder because you are sweating more than you normally would without a shirt on.”
Tension continues between the team and administration because some members of cross country believe the decision was unnecessary. However, as a part of the athletics department, athletes must follow the dress code and if not, it would be a violation of WHS rules.
“I think the athletics department had a reason for their decision, but I don't think it's necessary at all,” said Page. “If running without shirts disturbs people or makes them uncomfortable, that's one thing, but if no one's complaining about it, the rule shouldn't be enforced.”
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