By Loyd McIntosh, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville High Cross Country team will host the Springville Open Cross-Country Meet at Homestead Hollow on Saturday, October 8.
Now in its second year, the event will bring more than 230 junior high and high school athletes from 17 schools to compete on a scenic two-mile course throughout the 27 acres of Homestead Hollow. Proceeds from the event will help fund the Springville High School cross country and track programs.
“While a Cross Country race doesn’t raise a significant amount of money by high-school sports standards we’re able to make enough money from entry fees and parking to fund the needs of our cross country and track teams, including safety equipment, travel fees for state championships, and training equipment,” said Micah Colley, a volunteer, and parent of Springville cross country athlete Houston Colley.”
Terri and Dean Goforth, the owners and operators of Homestead Hollow, have allowed Springville to host the event free of charge and a place to train throughout the year. Colley said the school’s cross country and track programs wouldn’t be able to compete without the Goforth’s help.
“The Goforth family has very generously allowed us to use their venue, not only to practice on a regular basis but also so we can host our own race, something that Springville High School has never had the opportunity to do in the past,” said Colley.
“This may seem insignificant to many sports programs, but to our team, this means the world,” added Colley. ”The Goforths have never asked us for anything in return but we strive to give back more than we receive, which is why I want to make sure people are aware of their generosity.”
The Springville Tigers Cross Country team is one of the top programs in the state, currently ranked No. 4 in 5A. At the Lake Guntersville Invitational held on October 1, the Springville boys team took first place while and girls team finished third. Senior David Robles won the boys’ individual 5A-7A division with a time of 16.32.93. Freshman Carmen McCallister finished fourth in the girls’ 5A-7A division with a time of 19 44.23, just 35 seconds off the winning pace.
Springville Open Cross-Country Meet at Homestead Hollow Details
Saturday, October 8 • Homestead Hollow
1161 Murphrees Valley Road
Springville, AL 35146
Parking is $5
Race Schedule
8:30 a.m. – Varsity Girls
9:00 a.m. – Varsity Boys
9:30 a.m. – Junior High Girls/Junior High Boys
Teams
Alexandria High School
Ashville High School
Clay-Chalkville Middle School
Cleveland High School
Fort Payne
Guntersville
Jefferson Christian Academy
Leeds
Locust Fork
Moody
Munford
Shades Valley High School
Southeastern High School
Springville HS
St. Clair County
Westbrook Christian School
Winterboro