Today is the first day of practice for NCHSAA schools participating in Indoor/Winter Track (the NCISAA does not officially support an indoor season). Mild weather is expected across the state, which always makes for a good start to a season in which track athletes are usually the only sport training outside on a daily basis. It's always interesting to find out which schools are focusing on success in the winter, and which are simply training for future seasons. And of course, for fans of track the winter season means the return of sprints and field events!
Stories to Follow this Winter
Not One, But Two
Last year, North Carolina found itself without any viable indoor track facilities, as UNC's Eddie Smith Fieldhouse was temporarily unavailable. Not only is that facility back in the mix this year, but there will be a new one opening in Winston-Salem this winter. The JDL FastTrack is scheduled to finish construction in December with the installation of a 200m Mondo track, and plans are being formed to host a meet there late in the indoor season. The new facility could very well become the center of indoor track in our state, and perhaps reduce the number of teams that feel compelled to travel out of state to get a true indoor season (although some will undoubtedly still do so).
State Meet Registration Through MileSplit
The NCHSAA has decided to use MileSplit for registration to the 4A and 1A/2A/3A Indoor State Meets. All "polar bear" meet directors will be required to submit results to NCRunners, which will create more transparency and also make the database more powerful than ever. Lists of qualifiers will be posted on the front page at least every other week, visible to anyone (not just subscribers).
Indoor Season Previews in Two Weeks
Coming up in two weeks, to coincide with the start of competition for the winter season, NCRunners will run previews focusing on returning athletes from last year. It might be too early to predict the state champions, but it's never too early to start thinking about it!
Meanwhile, this is one of those times when seasons overlap, and the fall season is not over yet...
Continuing Cross Country Coverage
Over the next four weeks, cross country fans can still tune in to find the following features:
Top Returning Teams for 2012 Cross Country Season
A quick, early peak at which teams will be returning the most strength next fall, using the MileSplit database.
Final NCRunners Individual Rankings
Will the postseason races at WakeMed and McAlpine provide anyone the opportunity to move up in the All-Classes Top 25? NCRunners will also break down the top 10 runners in each classification and each grade, one more time before the end of the season.
National Coverage
MileSplit will provide detailed Footlocker South and NXN Southeast coverage: previews, photos & videos, race summaries, and interviews. Then, follow the action from both Oregon and San Diego (hopefully North Carolina will be represented at both events).