With the help of the PIAA Cross Country Steering Committee, the PIAA is designing and building a new state championship cross country course on the site of the now-closed Hershey Parkview Golf Course located behind the Giant Center. The location of the District 3 Championships will be determined by district officials in August.
According to PIAA Associate Executive Director Dr. Robert Lombardi, the Steering Committee – consisting of cross country and track coaches from across Pennsylvania – got to preview the proposed course the week of July 24th, and contributed some design suggestions before unanimously approving the new layout. The PIAA Board then approved the course last week.
Because of the PIAA bidding process, this new course will be the site for 2006 and 2007, with the bidding process being opened for ensuing years.
Lombardi says the course is 99% grass, and will offer a wide trail for runners its entire length. More details on the course will be available later this month.