Wamego will host the class 3A and 4A state cross country championships.
The Kansas State High School Activities Association announced today three sites to host the 2020 state cross country championships.
Noticeably missing among the sites is Rim Rock Farm, which has hosted a portion of the state championships every year since 1992. The University of Kansas, which manages Rim Rock Farm, notified KSHSAA earlier this fall that the course would not be available for high school events.
Instead, the class 5A and 6A state championship meets will move to the 4 Mile Creek Resort in Augusta, and will be hosted by Andover High School. The facility is the home course for Wichita State University, which will provide support for the championships.
Wamego again will host the 3A and 4A state championships at the Wamego Country Club.
The class 1A and 2A meet will head west. Victoria High School will host the meet at the Sand Plum Nature Trail and will be supported by the athletic department at Fort Hays State University.
All championship events will be held on October 31.
In a release sent to all schools earlier Wednesday, KSHSAA noted it is adding a third championship site this year to reduce the number of runners at each venue and allow for more time between races - consistent with risk mitigation efforts against COVID-19.
Regional meets will continue as scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 24 at sites that will be announced soon.
Classes 4A through 6A will compete at four regional sites of eight or nine assigned schools, with the top three teams and five individuals advancing to the state meet.
Classes 2A and 3A will have six regional sites of 10 or 11 schools assigned, with the top two teams and five individuals advancing to state, and class 1A will have three regional sites, with four teams and five individuals advancing.
"The health and safety of our students continues to be the most important factor in the changes we have implemented with postseason competitions, and we are pleased to expand to another venue for these championship meets," said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick.
"Certainly, we are fortunate to have quality courses and dedicated hosts to provide the best experience possible for our student-athletes."