Dear Cross Country Coaches, Athletes and Fans,

 

Who would have ever thought we would get the opportunity to compete in the 2020 WV State Cross Country Championship given these challenging times of this terrible Covid-19 crisis.? We feel very fortunate and appreciative that our young athletes have been given this chance to compete at such a prestigious event.

 

Though we are getting this opportunity, there will be many changes in procedures at the state meet in order to keep things safe as we do not want to become a spreading ground for this terrible virus. Everyone in attendance must understand the new expectations and abide by them in order for us to conduct the WV State Cross Country Championship in a SAFE environment.

 

On Friday, the campus of Cabell Midland will be closed to all teams and spectators because we have to keep a controlled, limited, and safe environment during the WV State Cross Country Championship. Team packets and tents will have to be taken care of on Saturday when you arrive at your scheduled time. Coaches packets will be available on runwv.com this week, so coaches can prepare ahead of time.  Teams arriving on Friday that need a place to run can go to Barboursville Park if you are staying close to campus, or Ritter Park if you are staying in the Huntington area. Both are great places to run and directions can easily be found on the internet.

 

Also, with Covid issues and predicted rain during the week, the course will be closed from Saturday to Friday to local teams, including Cabell Midland. . Signs that state “Cross Country Course Closed” have been posted. Please do not show up and avoid us asking you to leave school grounds.

 

On Saturday, coaches, runners, and fans will not be permitted on campus until after your scheduled time according to the state meet schedule. This is to ensure the safety of the event so that we do not have too many people on campus at the same time. Also, make sure you leave campus according to the state meet schedule and do not stay for any other races besides the races that your school is competing in. Mask are mandated for everybody, including runners. Runners will be instructed on the starting line right before the gun goes off to remove their masks.

 

At the meets I have attended this season, the cross country community has been very cooperative and understanding of our given times. They understand the procedures that must be followed in order for our young athletes to be given the opportunity to compete. As the State Cross Country Championship host, I appreciate everybody’s understanding in these very difficult and challenging times.

 

I wish everybody the best of luck this weekend and under the circumstances, we will do everything possible to make this a great experience for all in attendance.

 

Stay safe and hopefully next year we can be back to a normal cross country season.

 

Chris Parsons

(Cabell Midland Athletic Director & Cross Country/Track Coach)