By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
It's become an annual tradition in Barton County. For the last five seasons, the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) has selected Lake Barton north of Great Bend as a Class 5A regional cross-country site. For a fourth year in that stretch, the day will also include another race with Class 3A schools joining the mix. Panther Cross County Coach Lyles Lashley said the races will bring more than two dozen schools to the area.
"It's good for the kids," he said. "They get to run at home again. We'll have the WAC at home next week, then follow that up with regionals. We're excited to be able to host it again and bring that many teams, schools, and fans to Great Bend to put money into the community."
Regional action begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 with the 5A girl's race that will feature the top-ranked Lady Panther team and two of the state's top runners from Salina Central. The Class 3A girls, featuring Hoisington and Russell, will follow at 10:35. The 5A boys begin at 11:10 a.m., and the 3A boys follow at 11:45. Before regional week, Great Bend will host the Western Athletic Conference schools on Thursday, Oct. 12.
"The JV starts at 4," Lashley said. "The varsity races will start at 5. The girls will actually run a 4K instead of a 5K. It's a little change. It's something the WAC's always done. We've never moved it up to the 5K since we went there. I kind of like it right before the region meet. It gets you used to going out fast."
All state cross-country meets will be run at Rim Rock Farm near Lawrence or the Wamego Country Club. Class 3A and 5A state races will be held at Rim Rock.