Camas invited us to their summer practice located at Lacamas Heritage Trail Park. The athletes had an easy run on a trail on the edge of Lacamas Lake. Assistant coach Dan Lyne led the athletes on pre run drills that included wicket drills.
Camas is east of Vancouver, Washington and across the Columbian River from the Portland metropolitan area. In downtown Camas is the Georgia-Pacific paper mill which gives the high school name of Camas Papermakers. The Papermakers are known for their cross country excellence with the girls winning the Washington State Meet in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 and the boys won the state title in 2019. Head coach Matt LeGrand explained the summer season for Camas.
How often does Camas practice in the summer?
We practice three times per week in the summer.
Does Camas go to a team camp?
We have not done a team camp yet. In years past members of the team have done training camps at altitude in Boulder and the Ultimook Running Camp.
What is the secret to Camas' success?
The secret to our running team's success is not a secret at all. It lies in our unwavering dedication and relentless hard work, day in and day out. There are no shortcuts or hidden formulas that magically make us successful. Instead, it is the consistent effort we put into our training, pushing ourselves to our limits, and never settling for mediocrity. We understand that success is earned through perseverance, discipline, and a refusal to give up. It's not about finding shortcuts or secrets; it's about embracing the grind and giving our absolute best every single day. That is the true key to our team's achievements.
How does Camas create a team culture?
The team culture of the Camas XC team is built upon two fundamental principles: making running enjoyable and fostering a respectful environment for every athlete striving to improve. We firmly believe that by infusing fun into our training and activities, we can enhance motivation, build camaraderie, and ultimately achieve better results. Whether it's organizing friendly competitions, incorporating exciting challenges, having Otter Pops after a long run, or simply finding joy in the process, we prioritize making running an experience that brings us together and sparks enthusiasm. Moreover, we place great emphasis on respect within our team. We recognize that each athlete has their own unique journey and goals, and we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued. We celebrate individual achievements and milestones, and we understand that personal growth and improvement come at different paces for each athlete. By fostering a culture of respect, we encourage collaboration, empathy, and understanding among teammates, cultivating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive. In essence, our team culture revolves around the belief that running can be both challenging and enjoyable. By combining the pursuit of personal excellence with a supportive and respectful environment, we create a space where athletes can thrive, reach their full potential, and experience the rewards of being part of a dedicated and uplifting running team.
To check out the photo gallery of Camas' summer practice, click HERE