The Missouri State High School Activities Association has changed the postseason format for the 2021 cross country season.
The number of district meets in each class has been reduced from eight to four.
At each district meet, the top four teams and the top 30 individuals will advance to the state meet. In the past, the top two teams from each district and the top 15 runners qualified for state.
“I think it’s for the best,” Joplin coach Dustin Dixon said. “Anytime they realign the districts you always hope it works out for your team because you never know what teams you’re going to be paired up with. Overall, I think it was the right choice. It makes it more fair. It changes the race a little bit…it will be more congested. It also changes who can host.”
Webb City coach Dustin Miller agreed with Dixon.
“I love it,” Miller said of the changes. “I think it will ensure that better individuals get to the state championship. I really like the format.”
The Class 4 and Class 5 state championships will be held on Nov. 5, while Class 1-3 will be held on Nov. 6. All state meets will once again be held at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia.
District assignments for cross country should be released later this week.