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If all goes well, it should be over in about an hour and a half. What does a cross country team do at practice? Simple. The athletes run.

And run. Then run some more.

Ramblers head coach Andy Place, also the girls track coach in the spring, said that occasionally one of his athletes will inquire what the team will be doing at practice that day.

"I tell them the same thing every time ... we're a cross country team. We run," Place said. Place didn't have a camp this summer, and will use the first week of training as a camp of sorts.

He's kept in touch with most of the runners he expects will be coming back this fall, but he's also been pretty busy with other projects and isn't sure of the ones who've been considering coming out.

Right now, there's not much he can say about the team.

"I'll have to wait until at least the first week of practice before I can really evaluate what I have, as far as returning people and kids who look to make an impact," Place said.

"But, I know some of the kids have run this summer, and will be in good shape for the start of training. Beyond that, there's not much I know yet."

Each athlete must have a physical on file at the high school office, or with the coaching staff, as well as proof of medical insurance before they can start training. Since it's likely to be hot and humid, liquids will be provided ... but the athletes would also be wise to bring along their own bottled water, or sports drink.

And they should drink plenty of water to keep themselves well hydrated, and avoid muscle cramps.

The Ramblers look to compete for the Lake Michigan Conference title, if everything falls into place.

Finishing at the top of the heap will be no mean trick. The Ramblers will need to find their team chemistry early.

Place is confident the Ramblers can have a solid grouping up near the lead runners every meet, but it'll remain to be seen what some of the unproven talent can do.

A little competition within the team would help.

If the top runners can push each other in practice every day, and then continue to battle for supremacy among themselves at the meets, the Ramblers have a chance to excel.

Teamwork is essential to succeed in any sport, and while cross country is largely an individual effort, it's also the combination of those individuals performances that eventually lead to victory.

Depth is another vital component of winning. The more runners place in the top 15 or 20, the better. Placing higher would be a bonus.