News Summary

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced significant changes for the high school cross country season, expanding divisions from three to four. This move aims to create a more equitable racing environment by allowing schools of similar sizes to compete against each other. The new divisional structure and the exciting debut venue at Fortress Obetz promise to enhance the competitive atmosphere and provide athletes more opportunities to shine. The season kicks off the week of August 18, welcoming a thrilling year for cross country enthusiasts.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Ohio High School Cross Country

Columbus, Ohio – Get ready, runners! The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has made a big announcement that is sure to shake things up this fall. Starting this year, high school cross country will expand its divisions from three to four!

This change is all about leveling the playing field. The OHSAA wants to ensure that more schools get the chance to compete against others that are pretty much the same size. A fair race is a good race, right? In a state as diverse as Ohio, this means more opportunities for schools to shine and for athletes to showcase their talents.

A Brief Look Back

For a little context, cross country in Ohio has a history dating back to 1928 when it began with just one division. Fast forward to 1966, and they added a second division, followed by a third in 1970. Now, with the new four-division format, the OHSAA seems to be setting the stage for an even more competitive atmosphere.

Mark Your Calendars

The high school cross country season kicks off in Ohio during the week of August 18. As students gear up to hit the trails, there’s a buzz of excitement in the air. Coaches are preparing their teams, and athletes are lacing up their running shoes in anticipation!

New Home for Championships

This year also brings a new venue into the spotlight—welcome Fortress Obetz in Columbus! This facility isn’t just another place to run; it has already established itself as a top-notch location by hosting three annual cross country events. Runners will have the chance to participate in an early season invitational in August, a seventh- and eighth-grade invitational in October, and of course, the high school state championships on the first Saturday in November. And the good news? Fortress Obetz will continue to host these events through the 2027 season, promising some exciting races to come!

Divisional Breakdown

With the addition of the fourth division, here’s how the teams stack up:

  • Division I Boys Competitors: Colerain, Elder, Fairfield, Hamilton, Kings, Lakota East, Lakota West, Lebanon, Little Miami, Mason, Middletown, Milford, Moeller, Oak Hills, Princeton, Springboro, St. Xavier, Sycamore, Walnut Hills, West Clermont, Winton Woods.
  • Division I Girls Competitors: Colerain, Fairfield, Hamilton, Lakota East, Lakota West, Lebanon, Little Miami, Mason, Milford, Oak Hills, Seton, Springboro, Sycamore, Walnut Hills, West Clermont.
  • Division II Boys Competitors: Aiken, Anderson, Badin, Batavia, Goshen, Harrison, Indian Hill, La Salle, Loveland, McNicholas, Monroe, Mt. Healthy, New Richmond, Ross, Talawanda, Turpin, Western Brown, Wilmington.
  • Division II Girls Competitors: Anderson, Badin, Batavia, Edgewood, Harrison, Kings, Loveland, Mercy McAuley, Monroe, Mount Notre Dame, New Richmond, Ross, St. Ursula, Talawanda, Turpin, Ursuline, Western Brown, Winton Woods.
  • Division III Boys Competitors: CHCA, Clark Montessori, Clermont Northeastern, Clinton-Massie, Fenwick, Madeira, Mariemont, Norwood, Reading, Roger Bacon, Taylor, Waynesville, Wyoming.
  • Division III Girls Competitors: Bethel-Tate, CHCA, Clinton-Massie, Fenwick, Indian Hill, Madeira, Mariemont, McNicholas, Roger Bacon, Summit Country Day, Taylor, Waynesville, Wyoming.
  • Division IV Boys Competitors: Cincinnati Country Day, East Clinton, Georgetown, MVCA, Oyler, Seven Hills, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place, Summit Country Day, Williamsburg.
  • Division IV Girls Competitors: Georgetown, Seven Hills, Williamsburg.

Preparing for the Season

As the upcoming season nears, anticipation is building. Coaches, athletes, and fans are encouraged to come out, support their teams, and enjoy what promises to be a thrilling year of high school cross country. With more divisions, more races, and a fantastic venue to boot, there’s plenty to look forward to. Lace-up those shoes, and get ready to run!

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