It's hard to argue a "truer" cross country course exists in the state than the one in our capital. Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, which has hosted the previous two FHSAA Cross Country Finals, is the perfect blend of scenic running, different terrains, and a spectator friendly venue. FSU hosted their invitational and the annual Pre-State meet there, as well as the NCAA South Regional this year. However, could 2014 be the last time the course sees a state championship meet?
Every two years the FHSAA opens up the doors for potential bidders to state their case as to why they should be the host of the state's top meet, the Super Bowl for our cross country athletes. Once the bids are collected the governing body narrows them down to three to four choices, and proposals are sent out to discuss logistics such as the course, spectator viewing, convenience, concessions, restrooms, parking, etc.
Although the ARP offers up an ideal course, the one discourse is the distance for most schools: four plus hours for Central Florida and the Tampa area, and nearly eight for those South Florida programs. We have confirmed that Tallahassee (Apalachee Regional Park) has put in their bid for the upcoming season and want the meet back.
We wanted to pose the question though: would a more centralized location be a better host?
The Ocala Horse Park hosted an invitational and a super regional this year and is located off of I-75. The previous Cross Country Finals location at Little Everglades Ranch was originally designed for the four-legged harriers as well and it worked out fine. How about Holloway Park? Located in Lakeland adjacent to I-4, it's not an easy course by any stretch of the imagination, but will challenge the best runners in the state on the biggest stage.
Sticking in Central Florida, Chain Of Lakes Park has hosted large-scale meets including the Astronaut Invitational, Flrunners.com Invitational, district, and regional competitions. The course would work, but what about the other circumstances including lodging? Titusville is doubled when the 4,500 runners come for our yearly meet. Although less runners will be in attendance for the Cross Country Finals it arguably would require more overnight stays, how would they be able to handle the amount of people?
Central Winds Park in Winter Springs had the FHSAA out this season to take a look at their course and offer feedback. Disney is conveniently located, and has the famous "Mount Mickey", but I am guessing they won't be willing to share profits with the FHSAA, and you thought the price to get into Little Everglades was high!
Ed Radice in Tampa is a viable venue and has also hosted major meets, but many would raise cain returning to run laps around a soccer field after being spoiled by the "cross country playground". Heading even further south we could all make Raposo happy and have it at Larry & Penny. We know for sure the course will be exactly 5K and no course length debates will ensue.
In 2012 Dave Halliday of Flagler Palm Coast insisted the Daytona International Speedway was a perfect locale, while those in Gainesville pulled for Windy Hill Farms. Apalachee Regional Park won out and was the host of the 2013 and 2014 Cross Country Finals. Will they host again in 2015 and beyond?
Where would you like to see the future Cross Country Finals? Vote in our poll below and feel free to comment! Voting will close Sunday, December 28th at 11:59 p.m.