GWDRC High School Home School Running Group

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(Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track)

The Greater Williamsburg Distance Running Club (GWDRC) is expanding its offerings to serious-minded high school home school athletes. We are seeking dedicated runners who wish to compete in local cross country and track races, including open meets at Pole Green Park, Virginia Beach, and possibly Christopher Newport University (CNU).

Training and Practice

 

GWDRC aims to develop committed runners through consistent training, including 4 to 6 days of running per week. Training will cover three traditional seasons:

• Cross Country (Fall)

• Indoor Track (Winter)

• Outdoor Track (Spring)

 

Summer Training:

• 1 to 2 in-person practices per week

• Weekly training guide and remote support via email or phone

 

Fall and Winter Training:

• 2 to 3 in-person practices per week

• Participation in GWDRC races and local open meets

Cost:

• $200 per session (Fall: July to December, Winter/Spring: December to June)

Coaching Philosophy

Under the leadership of Coach Mark Tompkins, GWDRC follows a conservative, progression-based training approach to minimize injury risks while building endurance and performance. Mark’s philosophy centers on gradual mileage increases and thoughtful workouts, fostering a positive and supportive training environment.

Coach Mark Tompkins - Biography

Mark Tompkins, a Palo Alto native, is a highly accomplished distance running coach with over 22 years of coaching experience. He has competed at the high school level, the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and the Greater Boston Track Club. Since 2016, Mark has served as the Head Cross Country and Track Coach at Jamestown High School in Williamsburg, VA.

 

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Mentorship and Coaching Experience

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Mark’s coaching journey has been shaped by mentorship from prominent distance running coaches, including:

• Hal Daner: Gunn High School, Palo Alto

• Al Cantello: USNA, Hall of Fame Coach

• Tom Deridian Greater Boston Track Club Head Coach: Author of The Boston Marathon

Mark has also coached at Coronado High School, Menchville High School, Bruton High School, and Jamestown High School, achieving remarkable success with numerous athletes.

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Team and Athlete Achievements

Jamestown Boys' Cross Country:

• State Meet Qualifier (18 consecutive years)

• State Champions (2001, 2008) (Coached by Howard Townsend)

• Region 4A Champions (2022, 2023, 2024)

• Bay Rivers District Champions (2022, 2024)

Jamestown Girls' Cross Country:

• State Meet Qualifier (9 consecutive years)

• State Champions (2023)

• Region 4A Champions (2019–2024)

• Bay Rivers District Champions (2022–2024)

Notable Athletes Coached

Athletes with Notable Times:

• Caroline Bauer: 10:32 (3200m), 16:54 (XC), 4:53 (1600m)

• Kylie Brooks: 10:36 (3200m), 17:38 (XC), 4:58 (1600m)

• Jeffrey Linton: 1:53.75 (800m), Two-time 1000m state champion

• Jonathan Grimm: 15:19 (5K), Adidas Nationals 2-mile Champion

Division I Athletes:

• Caroline Bauer – University of Florida

• Kylie Brooks – James Madison University

• Claire Bauer – Mercer University

• Raini Mayo – Liberty University

• Kaitlyn Ardrey – Christopher Newport University

• John Vogel – Christopher Newport University, University of Richmond

• Jackson Giesendaffer – VMI

• Garland Gray – VMI

• Clara Wincheski – UNC Asheville

• Kirsten Long – George Washington University

Division II Athletes:

• Catherine Wingart – Wingate University

• Carley Shannon – Ball State (Division I)

Division III Athletes:

• Jake Ruzevick – MIT

• Kelly Kingma – USMA

• Cimon Everrett – Mary Washington

• Luke Tompkins – Christopher Newport University

Contact Information

📩 Mark Tompkins (757) 784-2281
✉️ marktompkins1@gmail.com

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GWDRC SPRING SESSION 2025
DISTANCE RUNNING FOR 3rd TO 8th GRADERS

HOME SCHOOL DISTANCE RUNNING FOR HOME SCHOOL 9TH TO 12 GRADERS

📅 Session Dates: March 10 – May 7, 2025
🕔 Practice Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Eligibility: Runners must be able to complete 1 mile in under 10 minutes without stopping.

 

Practice Schedule:

• March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 28, 31

• April 2, 14, 16 (April 18 – Run the Dog 5K), 21, 23 (Mini Meet), 28, 30

• May 5, 7 (Mini Meet)

• (Total: 16 Practices)

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Registration & Fees

• 3rd-12th Grade: $100 for the season

• AAU Membership: $20 (required) – Register after Aug. 1, 2024, for full-year coverage.

• AAU Club Code: W376BE (Sign up at AAU Sports)

How to Join

• Register at GWDRC Website

• Sign up for GWDRC at RunSignUp

 

Special Events:

🏃 April 18 – Run the Dog 5K
🏅 April 23 & May 7 – Mini Meets

For more information, contact Mark Tompkins:
📧 MarkTompkins1@gmail.com
📞 (757) 784-2281