Pictured is one of the awards being presented at the Today’s Bank Invitational
Saturday, September 26 will mark the 17th time area runners across the state will circle the campus of Mansfield High School for its annual cross country invitational race. It will also be the third consecutive year that Today’s Bank will be the exclusive sponsor for the highly anticipated event.
“Mansfield has become a regular stop for many area high schools for cross country racing over the years,” Mansfield head coach John Mackey said. “With the hospitality of Today’s Bank and the welcoming attention of our volunteers, it’s a place most schools look forward to attending.”
Once again Mansfield will see familiar schools bringing teams for the 9:00 AM start of the four-race schedule. Locals such as Alma, Fort Smith, Greenwood, Lavaca, Magazine, and Waldron return squads to the Tiger course designed along the perimeter of the MHS campus. In addition, far-reaching foes such as Bentonville West, Lake Hamilton, Lakeside, Vilonia, and Western Yell County among others are also scheduled to make the trip.
“Our reputation as a good host has caught the attention of a lot of teams,” Mackey continued. “Today’s Bank has a lot to do with that. Their sponsorship provides 120 individual medals and eight team trophies to be distributed out among the two different divisions for the four total races. A lot of athletes go away from our meet quite happy for their accomplishments.”
With typical large numbers attending this year’s event, Mansfield has gone to great lengths to provide a safe environment for players and fans in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Team campsites and visitor viewing pods will be set up in spaced out, separate locations to provide for social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations will be available in strategic locations such as the main gate entrance and entryways to restroom locations. Custodial services will provide regular cleaning and sanitizing throughout the meet.
All teams and their associated members will provide an ADH approved health screening checklist upon entering the facility. All volunteer workers and staff members will also be screened before being allowed to participate. Masks or personal protective equipment will be mandatory for all people in attendance.
“Our cross country facility is very large and very spread out,” the Mansfield coach explained. “There is plenty of room for people to adhere to social distance protocols. The AAA mandates that anyone attending whether it be workers, players, or fans to wear masks. It’s everyone’s responsibility to follow these guidelines for us to continue our season. If you can not abide by the rules, please stay away for the sake of our athletes. They want to play.”
The senior girls’ 5K race will be the first event of the morning. A rolling start will follow with the senior men, junior girls, and junior boys to race in consecutive order thereafter.
