October 5, 2024 Cross Country
John Yantiss – IHSAA Official
I was fortunate and honored to be one of the officials for the Nike Twilight Cross Country Championships on the Laverne Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, home of the IHSAA State Cross Country Championships. Over 3,500 athletes competed in the 8 races contested that evening. There were a number of nationally ranked teams and individuals, and some as far as Utah, competing at this championship event. Mr. Ed Javis, athletic director at Terre Haute South High School, was the meet organizer and did an amazing job, receiving countless compliments from the many coaches and fans. Timing MD was responsible of timing the event. Seeing the excitement on the athletes faces, the interaction between athletes and officials, makes me feel a whole lot younger. The many athletes and coaches from the Indiana schools competing on Saturday need to be commended for their excellent sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and strong character during the 4 hours of racing. These athletes/coaches were all amazing and they represented their schools admirably. If all the athletes/coaches/parents in Indiana would display this exemplary behavior, wouldn’t that be awesome!
