The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) has announced significant changes to its cross country program, highlighted by an expansion to four divisions and a renewed contract with Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park.
The venue in Southeast Columbus will continue to host three major OHSAA cross country events each fall through 2027, following a three-year contract extension. These events include the Early Season Invitational in mid-August, the 7th-8th Grade Invitational in mid-October, and the high school Cross Country State Championships on the first Saturday in November.
“Obetz has been such a great host for our three cross country events,” said Doug Ute, OHSAA Executive Director. “The stadium and park have proven to be a fantastic venue for our student-athletes to compete. We appreciate all the work that goes into all three events and are excited to be there for the next three years.”
The expansion from three to four divisions, initially announced in January, marks a significant structural change for Ohio high school cross country. The OHSAA Board of Directors approved the new divisional breakdowns during their April meeting on Thursday. Schools can view the 2025 divisional assignments on the OHSAA website.
Sports fans can expect additional announcements in the coming days regarding other fall sports. Divisional breakdowns for golf, girls tennis, soccer, and girls volleyball will be released on Monday, while the 2025 football divisional breakdowns and regional playoff assignments will follow on Thursday, May 1.
The 2025 divisional breakdowns are posted at: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Cross-Country/2025-Cross-Country
2025 Cross Country Season Dates:
Practice Begins – August 1
Early Season Invitational at Obetz – August 16
Season Begins – August 18
Non-Interscholastic Date – September 29
7th-8th Grade Invitational at Obetz – October 19
District Tournaments – October 18
Regional Tournaments – October 25
State Championships at Obetz – November 1
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