After the introduction of a fourth division, D1 Cross-Country teams did not compete in a district final race this school year.
During the January OHSAA Board Meeting it was unanimously decided to expand the amount of cross country and track divisions with cross country jumping to four divisions. The board felt like they needed the expansion to keep similar sized teams running against each other, keeping the competition fair.
This rule change affects Division I Cross Country teams by removing them from having a district race. Not having this race advanced all the D1 teams straight into regional races, giving them a bye week during Districts.
The divisions below D1 still had a race, but that does not mean they have it more difficult. Smaller schools have better chances of making a push to states due to there being less schools in each division.
On the other hand, D1 teams will have to strategically plan out how they go about the change.
“ It changes how we do things and gives us more time to prepare and understand about what it’s going to be like in the competition that’s going to be there,” sophomore runner Sam Foltz said.
After the change, coaches may have to adjust the postseason plans they have relied on for years. Many teams may start tapering later than normal to better their chances at a state birth out of regionals.
“It changes our preparation a lot since we don’t have to worry about having a district need and making it to regionals. It just changes how we do things and what we do,” Foltz said.
Taking away the stress of a big race on Saturday, along with the pressure of trying to qualify for regionals, makes a huge difference. Race days can be extremely stressful for runners, especially when the district race carries so much importance.
“Instead of having to worry about a race on this last Saturday, we just had a fun two-mile time trial, and there wasn’t a lot of anxiety or anything. It was just more team unity and to go out and have fun,” Foltz said.
The GlenOak boys Cross Country team went to Boardman for the regional meet hoping to make the state meet .
“I think we can definitely do better since, like I said, no district meet,” Foltz said.
The team went on to place 10th in their respective region and is sending junior Casey Harbour and cenior Canaan Sommers to the State meet, marking a strong finish to their season. Based on the success of the two runners advancing to State as well as the full girls team making it, it’s clear that the week off provided an important advantage and set them up for success in the postseason.
