What's needed for 7th grade track -budget buster?

[Sandy61]

My DS13 wants to join the track team this year and I don't know what he will need. Special shoes? A team shirt? What else?

He played basketball this year for the first time and I was surprised by how much I ended up buying him... Nike basketball shoes, compression underwear, compression undershirt for under uniform, black Nike socks. I felt bad for him because for the first 2 weeks he was the only one that did not have these things. I didn't even know compression stuff existed! My non-athletic husband did not know either.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

When I was in track, all we needed was the shoes and a spike wrench. Everything else was provided - save for the effort LOL. That was a long time ago though

 

[birdiegirl9800]

For middle school track last year, my son needed:
-Under armor shirt & tights (Running tights)
-Spikes (track shoes with spikes--the wrench came with the shoes)
-Decent running tennis shoes (they don't wear the spikes all the time, especially during turnout, and depending on which events they choose)
-A top layer - like a baggy pair of sweats and a sweat shirt to wear over the rest, for wearing on the bus to meets and at the track during non-event times, and during initial warm-up. He had the sweats already, and the team elected to buy matching sweatshirts, so that was the only expense for this layer.
-Socks - non cotton, moisture wicking, you don't want rubbing!

That's all I can think of. I hope he has fun! Track has turned into my son's favorite sport. There's a lot of downtime during practices and meets, and the kids really bonded throughout the season.

 

[Mrs K]

For middle school track last year, my son needed:
-Under armor shirt & tights (Running tights)
-Spikes (track shoes with spikes--the wrench came with the shoes)
-Decent running tennis shoes (they don't wear the spikes all the time, especially during turnout, and depending on which events they choose)
-A top layer - like a baggy pair of sweats and a sweat shirt to wear over the rest, for wearing on the bus to meets and at the track during non-event times, and during initial warm-up. He had the sweats already, and the team elected to buy matching sweatshirts, so that was the only expense for this layer.
-Socks - non cotton, moisture wicking, you don't want rubbing!

That's all I can think of. I hope he has fun! Track has turned into my son's favorite sport. There's a lot of downtime during practices and meets, and the kids really bonded throughout the season.

My DD runs HS track and those are the exact things she needs. We live in the northeast, so the running tights were a must, but if you are in a warmer area you may not need them.

 

[PlutoPony]

It will depend on the school and whether he's a sprinter or distance runner. The most important thing he will need is GOOD running shoes. Go to a store who specializes in this and have them look at how he runs so you get a shoe that matches his pronation (neutral or support shoes). Don't be surprised if you spend $80 or more, you'll save that in doctor bills if he takes to the sport. Track spikes may not be needed at that age, I'd wait and see on that.... around here they're not used until high school and then only in meets (spikes are less $ than training shoes). Good socks are also important, something that wicks moisture away is helpful and some like a sock with good cushioning. May need to buy a few pairs and see what he likes, socks are a personal thing. He'll need stuff to work out in and that's a personal decision as well but one that might be influenced by what the other kids are wearing. Might be fine in old short and t-shirts, or may feel like he needs short running shorts and dry-fit shirts. Probably a pair or two of long pants, maybe in the school color (like blue or black). And you'll likely need to buy a team t-shirt or sweat shirt, that would be $15-25 here. Oh - one other thing, does the team dress up on meet day in a shirt and tie? That might be another expense.

That said, some schools have a huge selection of team wear for players to buy - windbreakers, sweats, shorts, etc. It's more common in highs school than middle school but there are a few that start that at a very young age . Hopefully your school isn't one of them.

 

[imsayin]

My son ran track in middle school. We paid $5 for a school track t-shirt. That was our total cost. He wore shoes and clothes he had.

 

[aprilgail2]

For middle school track last year, my son needed:
-Under armor shirt & tights (Running tights)
-Spikes (track shoes with spikes--the wrench came with the shoes)
-Decent running tennis shoes (they don't wear the spikes all the time, especially during turnout, and depending on which events they choose)
-A top layer - like a baggy pair of sweats and a sweat shirt to wear over the rest, for wearing on the bus to meets and at the track during non-event times, and during initial warm-up. He had the sweats already, and the team elected to buy matching sweatshirts, so that was the only expense for this layer.
-Socks - non cotton, moisture wicking, you don't want rubbing!

That's all I can think of. I hope he has fun! Track has turned into my son's favorite sport. There's a lot of downtime during practices and meets, and the kids really bonded throughout the season.

Holy crap! My 7th grade daughter did track- they needed sneakers-period. School supplies uniform and sweatshirt.

 

[Reddy]

why not send the track coach an email & ask him what is needed
different schools do different things
ask the one in charge

 

[Sandy61]

why not send the track coach an email & ask him what is needed
different schools do different things
ask the one in charge

We emailed the basketball coach and got a reply that "anything is fine" and were on our own. I really appreciate all the help we can get! Thank you!

You know, I might email the coach and ask more-informed questions like if they need spikes in 7th grade. We did get an email about a team shirt they could buy for around $10. Maybe that was a hint.

 

[crisi]

What kind of middle school is your kid in.

Our middle school is pretty much about "recreational sports" and kids "giving things a try." Kids serious about their sports are on traveling teams and won't play for the middle school. So our track team is kids in sneakers - or sometimes spikes. My daughter needed tennis shoes to play tennis - bringing your own racket was encouraged, but not required (although the school's rackets were in sad, sad shape). We have a lot of free and reduced lunch kids that the coaches try and include as much as they can, so we don't philosophically make anyone go out a buy special colored socks.....

Other schools take their sports more seriously and/or don't have the economic issues we do.

 

[birdiegirl9800]

For middle school track last year, my son needed:
-Under armor shirt & tights (Running tights)
-Spikes (track shoes with spikes--the wrench came with the shoes)
-Decent running tennis shoes (they don't wear the spikes all the time, especially during turnout, and depending on which events they choose)
-A top layer - like a baggy pair of sweats and a sweat shirt to wear over the rest, for wearing on the bus to meets and at the track during non-event times, and during initial warm-up. He had the sweats already, and the team elected to buy matching sweatshirts, so that was the only expense for this layer.
-Socks - non cotton, moisture wicking, you don't want rubbing!

I originally posted this list, and after reading some comments, I wanted to add that we do live in a cool wet climate, and having the underarmor layer is absolutely necessary. The kids are required to have some sort of long sleeves and pants until the temperature reaches 70 degrees--that was most of the way through the season last year. The team sweat shirt was optional, not required. The spikes were also optional, and we didn't purchase them until a few weeks into the season, and then only because we could see he would need them for his events (sprints), and that he would most likely continue with the sport because he enjoyed it. Many kids on the team had regular tennis shoes for every event. I think every parent needs to make a decision about what is need vs. want and whether the kid has some intention to really continue with the sport beyond just trying it out. If they show desire to be competitive and improve, then I would say the extras are worth it. Just my opinion. I think the best move would be to make sure he has good running shoes and socks, a "training" outfit like sweats and a sweatshirt (out of the closet--not new), and then start the season and find out what more will be needed. You'll have at least a couple of weeks before actual meets begin.

 

[dalmatian7]

As a former coach, the main item you need are good running shoes. I wouldnt worry about any specialized equipment, like spikes, until your son finds which events he will be participating in. For practice, normal gym clothes and lots of layers, including hats and gloves (the cheap stretch kind are great) if you are in a cold environment . Under armour is nice, but pricey, I survived underage in high school. Also, Target sells champion brand shirts that are similar to under armor.
One thing to consider, if your son ends up on a relay team, in PA relay teams must have the same color shirts/stretch pants on under their uniform. We always encouraged white. So again, you will want to wait until he has an idea what events he will be in. I agree with a previous poster, that you will want to ask the coach.
Also.... And we always ended up having a boys coach address this with Jr high boys.....antiperspirant is important too.
Good luck to him, It is a lot of work, but the one sport where results are based on personal achievement and is great for setting and working towards goals.