(2019 Division 3 State Championship meet's top two finishers, Derek Amicon and Demetrius Snellenberger)
Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) announced on Wednesday that the cross country state meet will be moving from the National Trail Raceway to Fortress Obetz.
The venue change will be in effect for the next installment of the meet, which is scheduled for Saturday November 7th and the new agreement is set for five years.
Fortress Obetz, which opened in 2017, is a 50-acre multi-purpose site located on the southeast side of Columbus that caters to sports events, concerts, festivals and is the former home of the professional lacrosse team, the Ohio Machine.
OHSAA's executive director, Jerry Snodgrass highlighted Fortress Obetz's enhanced ability to house spectators as a benefit relating to the move and he also acknowledged the high quality job performed by the meet's previous hosts at the National Trail Raceway.
"We can't wait for our student-athletes and Ohio's entire cross country community to experience the state championships at Fortress Obetz."
"This facility is so impressive, from the course layout for the competitors to being more spectator friendly for the fans and we are thrilled to sign a five-year agreement. We would like to thank National Trail Raceway for hosting the state championships for the last nine years and doing an outstanding job as our host."
While the new 5 km layout has not yet been officially unveiled, according to National Director of Athletic Operations and Facilities Promotion, Steven Adams, the course, which will traverse Memorial Park, will be challenging and safe for the runners and will offer a great viewing experience for spectators.
NTR, located in Hebron, hosted the state championships from 2011 to 2019. Prior to that, during the years 1985 to 2010, the meet was held at Scioto Downs.
OHSAA's full press release ~