Best of luck to Clay County Middle School’s Cross Country team as their season gets underway at the only home meet of the year on September 12 at Dundon Field. At this time, thirteen teams are scheduled to compete.
In conformity with WVSSAC modifications made to restrict the number of spectators allowed due to the coronavirus pandemic, if Clay is green on the State metric this week, participants’ household family members will be permitted to attend. If the county is yellow, only parents or guardians are permitted to be there.
As with other fall sports, due to the pandemic, the team got a late start to the season. Practice began on August 17. However, they have been working hard every day to get into the best shape possible by the first meet.
The team is made up of fourteen runners: eighth graders Brooklyn Burdette, Bindi Cottrell, Sawyer Dobbins and Shyenne Quinn; seventh graders Daymian Pappas, Shane Quinn, Ashley Roberts and Shane Tracy; and sixth graders Adrian Davison, Ariel Dobbins, Jaylyn Holcomb, Jayda Pappas, Haleigh Quinn and Skiley Wilmoth. Matt Stricker is in his first year as head coach, and Phil Dobbins is the assistant coach.
Following the Clay Meet, the team will travel to compete at Calhoun on September 19, Cedar Lakes on September 26, Little Beaver State Park on October 3, and St. Mary’s on October 10. The CWVAC Conference Meet will be at Ravenswood on October 17.
Despite the fact that the season may look a little different this year due to masks, social distancing guidelines, a condensed schedule, and spectator limits among other things, the coaches, runners and fans are looking forward to a healthy, successful season.