The high school cross country season will get a jump start this coming weekend with the running of the Gettysburg XC Invitational, at Gettysburg Area High School, Gettysburg, PA. Athletes from 66 high schools and 25 middle schools from Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and New Jersey will toe the line in a race that has become an early season classic.
Boys and girls high school races are contested at two levels, Group 1 and Group 2. The Group 1 races are designed to include the most competitive runners. This year's race field includes some very strong individuals and teams.
The girls Group 1 Race is sure to be a showdown with Morgantown, West Virginia, joining perennial power houses Allentown Central Catholic, Chambersburg, Cumberland Valley and Hershey. Coach Paul Martin of Preston High School Kingwood, West Virginia, had this to say, "Thanks again for letting us in your meet on late notice. We had intended to go to the Mid-West Meet of Champions but it was cancelled. Honestly, I think this meet will be a better fit because we can compete against our local rival (Morgantown - girls ranked #9 in the SE region) as well as other \"ranked\" teams like Allentown Central (NE girls #10) and Manheim Township (NE Boys #4. We are probably not in the same league as these teams but we hope to be real soon. "
The boys Group 1 Race will be interesting as well. There is plenty of individual talent. Craig Miller and Brad Miller of Manheim Township, last year's first two finishers are back. Craig is seeking his 4th consecutive Gettysburg Invitational Group 1 individual championship, a feat that has thus far never been accomplished. Craig is the defending PIAA 3A XC Champion and a 2005 Foot Locker XC Finalist. Craig is sure to be joined in the front pack by brother Brad Miller. Others in the hunt for Group 1 top finishes are: Gettysburg's own Bryan Beegle, and Conestoga Valley's Vince McNally. Plus Curtis Bixler, Cumberland Valley, the AAA champ at 3200 meters.
Site: Gettysburg Area High School, located 1 mile north of Gettysburg on Old Harrisburg Road (Bus 15 N)
Courses:
All grass with ¾ mile of winding trail. Mostly flat with one long gradual upgrade.
Race start and finish behind school building. Box start.
High School = 5,000 meters. Middle School/JH = 2 miles.
Schedule: Time Race Schools (approx)
An extra JV boys race may be added because of high numbers
New! 8:30 #1 Middle School/JH Boys
8:45 #2 HS Varsity Girls, Group 2
9:10 #3 Middle School/JH Girls
9:25 #4 HS Varsity Boys, Group 2
9:40 #5 HS JV Girls (open to seniors)
10:05 #6 HS JV Boys (open to seniors)
10:25 #7 HS Varsity Girls, Group 1
10:45 #8 HS Varsity Boys, Group 1
Time Awards Presentation
9:45 Awards: Middle School/Junior High (Boys then Girls)
10:15 Awards: Group 2 (Girls then Boys)
10:45 Awards: JV (Girls then Boys)
11:15 Awards: Group 1(Girls then Boys)