The score could be counted as Mother Nature-1, state high school cross-country runners-0.
For the first time that can be remembered, the state high school meet that was scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Thursday afternoon that the meet at National Trails Raceway in Hebron has been postponed until Saturday, Nov. 10.
“While I wholeheartedly understand the impact this move has for all those involved in the event, this is the best solution for the safety and well-being of our participating student-athletes,” said OHSAA executive director Jerry Snodgrass. “National Trails Raceway has closed the course due to flooding with the on-going rain we have had in central Ohio, so the conditions will hopefully be much better by next weekend.”
Jonathan Alder’s boys and girls teams are scheduled to compete in the state event.
The boys will run in the D-II race at 11:45 a.m. next Saturday. The girls will compete at 2:15 p.m.
“I definitely wouldn’t say we have any problems,” said JA head coach Justin Creps. “Obviously, it’s inconvenient. With the late change in the schedule, it definitely throws off our original training/taper plan.”
The postponement also altered next weekend’s original plans by several Alder athletes.
“Several of our boys were also planning on racing at NXRs (a national meet) next weekend in Indiana,” said Creps.
“That being said, we are a program that is very good at adjusting and staying mentally focused,” he said. “We have already moved forward with a new plan of preparation and will be ready to race next week. We’re excited for the unique challenge.”