St. Joseph, Mo - As Missouri Western athletics continues on the path to a return, cross country will lead the pack.
Head Coach Cody Ingold has announced an abbreviated 2020 schedule which includes two October dates, both serving as qualifiers for a Division II "National Invitational" event in November. The schedule was created following the cancellation of the 2020 cross country season by the MIAA and the 2020 NCAA Division II Fall championships.
"This is an awesome opportunity and a huge boost for morale," said Ingold. "I want to thank our administration, our university and our supporters for their work and dedication to make this happen. With so many 'unknowns', their efforts and communication have put us in the position to be ready at any time. We are thankful that the time is now and we will be ready."
The Griffon men's and women's cross country squads will return to competition on October 16th at the Indian Hills Invitational in Ottumwa, Iowa. The date is significant, marking the first official competition for a Missouri Western team since the COVID-19 pandemic halted all sports last March. Griffon football will return to play on October 31st.
"We are thrilled that our cross country teams are returning to competition," said Theresa Grosbach, associate athletic director and senior woman administrator. "We have been working collectively towards a safe return for our student-athletes since March. This is another critical step forward for our entire Athletic Department. We appreciate all of those who have made this possible, both on our campus and our external supporters."
Missouri Western's 17 NCAA teams have been practicing since late August, following strict protocols instituted by the campus, local health policy and the NCAA's Resocialization of Sport guidelines.
"Our student-athletes have been doing everything the right way," Ingold said. "They have earned this opportunity and it's awesome that they have it."
2020 Missouri Western Men's and Women's Cross Country Schedule
10/16 - Indian Hills Invitational (Ottumwa, IA)
10/30 - Newman Team Invitational (Wichita, KS)
11/14 - DII National Invitational (Lubbock, TX)
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