Arizona high school cross-country sectionals get underway ahead of state finals
Arizona high school cross-country teams are gearing up for the sectional meets set to take place this week.
The events take place Tuesday through Thursday and will determine which boys and girls teams and individual runners in each of the four divisions advance to the Nov. 12 state championships, which will be held at Cave Creek Golf Course in Phoenix.
Mesa Mountain View's boys team is among those that have been performing at a high level since the season began in September and are ready to showcase their talents this week.
"At the beginning of each summer I tell the kids that if they buy into the process, things will work out," said head coach Ronnie Buchanan. "It’s always gratifying to see a kid improve over the season and to see their faces light up when they perform well. As a coach, you are their number one fan, and you hope in the end they are pleased with their effort and that they are getting enjoyment from this sport."
The Toros will be competing in the Northeast Division I sectional meet, along with 12 other schools.
"The season has provided valuable racing experience for the next championship meets. I’m excited and pumped up for them to be intentional when competing in future races,'' Buchanan said.
The sectional meets will take place at four locations throughout the state: Gilbert Crossroads Park, Heroes Park, Hidden Cove Golf Course and Rio Rico High School. All meets will be free admission. A full schedule and event times can be found at azpreps365.com.
Each sectional race will qualify the top 50% of scoring teams (with five or more runners). The top seven from a non-qualifying team will also advance to the state meet. If there is an odd number of scoring teams the number will be rounded up.
Medals will be awarded to the top 14 in each sectional and the top team will receive the Sectional Championship Plaque.
At the championships, team titles are awarded to winners in Divisions I through IV for both boys and girls teams, and individual tiles for boys and girls in each division.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona High School Cross Country Sectionals
