Hill College to host inaugural cross country meet
Hill College will be hosting its inaugural cross country event, The Hill Cross Country Classic, Sept. 26 in Hillsboro.
Head Cross Country and Track Coach Greg Lautenslager said the first-ever event should attract college teams, runners and spectators from around the state – and beyond.
The Hill Cross Country Classic will kickoff with the College Women’s 5K race beginning at 7 p.m.; followed by the College Men’s 8K at 7:30 p.m.; and conclude with an awards presentation at approximately 8:15 p.m. (note: the college races will follow the high school boys’ varsity 5K race).
College entry fees are $250 per team, per gender (or $500 for both genders), or $40 for each student-athlete (if the team has six student-athletes or fewer per gender).
Unattached entries are $40 per runner.
All college teams and unattached runners must enter and pay via Direct Athletics at www.directathletics.com.
The entry deadline is Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.
The Course
The challenging course possesses all elements of cross country – inclusive of undulating hills, flat sections, winding trails, blind turns, varying terrain of grass and dirt, a road crossing, and a pond loop. The course is also flanked by large trees, shrubs, school buildings, and a water tower. Spikes are recommended. Course maps will be included in the team packets.
Directions
Take Interstate 35 and exit to Highways 22/71, Corsicana/Whitney. Drive east about 400 meters to Hill College on the left. Note that the entry off Old Brandon Road will be closed from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Parking
Buses and vans may be parked in the lot in front of the Bob Bullock Gymnasium or the Performing Arts Center. There is ample car parking in front of the residence and dining halls and administration buildings.
There are no parking or spectator fees.
Tents may be set up just south of the starting line.
Restrooms
Restrooms will be available in several school buildings – including the gymnasium, weight room, training room, student recreation building, and cross country team rooms.
Scoring
Unlimited entries for men and women – team’s top five will be scored. Any runner outside of a team’s top seven or unattached runners will not be counted in the score but will receive an official finishing time. NCAA rules will apply, and the results will also be available online.
Awards
The awards presentation will be held on the banks near the starting line. T-shirts will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in each race, and a plaque to the team champions.
Packet Pick up
Packet pickup will be open from 4 p.m. on the hill above the starting line.
First Aid
The Hill College Athletic Trainers will be available near the finish line. Coaches and trainers are expected to have a first aid kit and up-to-date information on all of their runners – allergies, medical conditions, etc. and parental releases to treat. Runners should bring their own water bottles and electrolytes.
Accommodations
Hillsboro has an abundance of hotels and restaurants along I-35.
Weather
In case of an impending thunderstorm, the event will be postponed until Sept. 27 at 8 a.m. – college races followed by high school races. We will endeavor to contact you as early as possible for any changes. There are no refunds.
Contact Information: Greg Lautenslager, Meet Director, glautenslager@hillcollege.edu, 254.479.9206.
For more information on the Hill College men’s and women’s track programs, please visit https://hillcollegeathletics.com.