(Division II/III Scored Race from the 2022 OHSAA Early Season Invitational)
The 2023 OHSAA Early Season Invitational is set for Saturday, August 19th at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park.
This marks the third consecutive year the Early Invite will be run at Obetz (note that it would be the fourth had it not been for the canceled 2020 edition due to the Covid 19 pandemic).
The 5 kilometer layout provides teams and individuals an opportunity to scout out the state meet course in a much lower pressure situation than will be encountered for those who return at the OHSAA State Championships on Saturday, November 4th.
Undeniably the course will play much differently in mid-August than it will in early November with weather, field size, caliber of competition and the overall stakes to name a few contributing factors, but with that said it can still prove useful by gaining a familiarity with the venue and an understanding of turns, elevation grade changes and other nuances relating to the route.
Look out for a full menu of coverage from the MileSplit Ohio team including race videos, photos, social media updates in real time and post-meet editorial.
The 2023 OHSAA cross country season begins in its official capacity on Monday, August 21st with a variety of meets taking place throughout the state.
Good luck to the athletes and coaches who'll be making their 2023 debut at the Early Invite and thank you to our partners from the OHSAA, the OATCCC and FinishTiming for making this meet possible.
As we put our final preparations in place for Saturday's big meet, we reached out to the OHSAA Cross Country Administrator Dustin Ware for his thoughts on the Early Season Invite and the upcoming season.
"As the Cross Country Administrator, I know we (OHSAA) are very happy to provide each of our members schools cross-country teams the opportunity to kick-off their season by running at Fortress-Obetz."
"Both the runners & spectator experience at Fortress-Obetz in unlike any other course in the state!"
"Not only is this an amazing facility, but this is the only opportunity runners have to compete on the State Championship course. This means that many of the top teams in the state make it a point to attend the Early Season Invitational."
"Whether it's the Early Season Invitational, the 7th & 8th grade Invitational, or the State Championships... This is "the course" everyone wants to be a part of!"
"At the end of the day, the OHSAA prides itself on providing memorable experiences and opportunities for members school athletes and their families. Our partnership with Fortress-Obetz has given us just that, and we look forward to hosting each of these events here this season."
Dustin Ware
OHSAA Cross Country Administrator
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Related Links:
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2022 Early Invite Coverage
