GWDRC High School Home School Group

(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.

Mentorship and Coaching Experience

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.

Team and Athlete Achievements

Jamestown Boys' Cross Country:

State Meet Qualifier (18 consecutive years)
State Champions (2001, 2008)
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 – Liberty 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

Membership From June 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025: $200.00 + $12.60 Processing Fee

September 2025 Practice Schedule - GWDRC Beginner and Advanced Group  ($100.00 for season)

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Monday, September 1
Tuesday, September 2
Thursday, September 4
Monday, September 8
Tuesday, September 9
Thursday, September 11
Monday, September 15
Tuesday, September 16
Thursday, September 18
Monday, September 22
Tuesday, September 23
Thursday, September 25
Monday, September 29
Tuesday, September 30
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 October 2025 Practice Schedule

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

Thursday, October 2
Monday, October 6
Tuesday, October 7
Thursday, October 9
Monday, October 13
Tuesday, October 14
Thursday, October 16 (last practice) 
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Membership From September 1, 2025 to October 20, 2025: $100.00 + $6.80 Processing Fee