Stevens High School Track & Field Lettering Policy

 

At Stevens High School, earning a letter in track & field is more than just about talent, it's about commitment, sacrifice, supporting your teammates, and doing things the right way. While some athletes will qualify through performance, others may earn recognition by being difference-makers who consistently put the team first and embody our values every day.

 

We offer three levels of recognition at the end of each season:

🟦 Varsity Letter
🟩 Junior Varsity Award
🟨 Participation Award

🟦 Varsity Letter Criteria

 

To earn a Varsity Letter, an athlete must meet one or more of the following:

1. State Meet Qualifier

• Qualify and compete in the State Track & Field Meet by:
  • Being one of the Top 3 athletes at Stevens High School in your event AND
  • Ranking in the Top 24 in the State of South Dakota in that event OR
  • Participating on a relay at the State Track & Field Meet.

2. Coach’s Discretion (Seniors & Injuries)

• A senior who has:
  • Been on the team for at least two seasons,
  • Maintained a strong work ethic and team-first attitude, and
  • Demonstrated consistent commitment to the program.
• Athletes who suffered a season-ending injury, but were on track to qualify for state and compete at the state meet, may be considered at the coaches’ discretion.

3. Team Contribution & Commitment

• Did not qualify for state, but:
  • Competed in multiple varsity-level meets,
  • Qualified for the Last Chance Meet,
  • Maintained excellent practice attendance, effort, and attitude,
  • Made personal sacrifices for the good of the team,
  • Consistently supported teammates and contributed to team success in measurable or meaningful ways.

Middle School Athletes: Can only earn a varsity letter by placing at the State Meet if they were added to the team at the end of their middle school season.

🟩 Junior Varsity Award

 

The Junior Varsity Award recognizes athletes who showed strong commitment, work ethic, and improvement throughout the season, even if they didn’t meet the full requirements for a varsity letter.

 

To earn this award, athletes typically:

• Participated regularly in JV meets and/or competed in some varsity-level meets,
• Maintained good practice attendance, effort, and behavior,
• Showed steady growth in performance and attitude,
• Displayed a positive presence at practice and meets,
• Contributed to the team in meaningful ways but either did not qualify for the Last Chance Meet or were not consistently scoring or competing at the varsity level.

These athletes were reliable contributors and strong teammates, and they laid a solid foundation for future varsity success.

🟨 Participation Award

 

A Participation Award is given to athletes who:

• Were primarily involved at the JV level,
• Had limited attendance or impact,
• May have participated more for social reasons than athletic goals.

While their competitive contribution may have been minimal, we still value their presence as part of the team experience.

Coach Evaluation & Scoring System

 

For athletes who did not qualify for the state meet, assistant coaches will assess and rate their athletes using the following categories:

 

Category	Score (1–5)
Attendance & Punctuality
Effort & Improvement
Commitment & Sacrifice
Support of Teammates
Contribution at Meets (Varsity/JV)
Coachability & Attitude

 

Total Score / 30
 

Guidelines:

• 26–30 points – Strong candidate for Varsity Letter
• 20–25 points – Junior Varsity Award
• Below 20 points – Participation Award

Final decisions will be made by the coaching staff, considering both scores and context.

Final Thought

 

"Lettering is not just earned on the track—it's earned in the way you train, show up for others, and represent Stevens High School every day."

We are proud of every athlete who puts on a Raider jersey. Each season, we honor those who go above and beyond—those who make champion choices and leave a legacy of effort, integrity, and heart.