Cross country: State championship dates set for mid-November

Waterville’s Abby Williams, left, and Surya Amundsen run during a meet earlier this fall at Quarry Road Trails in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel Buy this Photo

AUGUSTA — There will be high school cross country state championship meets this fall in Belfast, the Maine Principals’ Association announced Friday.
Troy Howard Middle School will host the boys’ meets for Classes A, B and C on Nov. 11. The girls will then race Nov. 14. The MPA also announced it is working to provide a livestream on both days.

Qualifying for the state meet will be done at the league level, similar to golf. The MPA said regional championships won’t be held because of the state’s COVID-19 regulations that limit public gatherings to a maximum of 100 people. Spectators will not be allowed at the state meets.

The MPA also said leagues can host qualifying races up until Nov. 8. Furthermore, the number of teams and individuals who will qualify is subject to change.

Here’s the qualifying breakdown:

• Class A: The Southwestern Maine Activities Association will send its top four teams and top four individuals to states. However, if York County schools are eligible to compete, the top five teams will go. The Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference will send its top four teams and top four individuals.

• Class B: The Western Maine Conference, Penobscot Valley Conference and KVAC will each send three teams and two individuals.

• Class C: The Mountain Valley Conference and PVC will send three teams, while the WMC will send two teams, and each will send two individuals. Aroostook will send one team and two individuals.

The Class C boys (Nov. 11) and girls (Nov. 14) will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Class A races go off at noon, and the Class B races will start at 2:30 p.m.