Gainesville to host first ever cross country meet Sept. 15

Gainesville School will host its first ever cross country meet on Sept. 15 at the Gainesville track, with races beginning at 3:45 p.m.

“I am very excited, but also a little nervous,” said Gainesville track and field coach Gary Emerick. “This has been a long time coming and something that many have wanted to come to Gainesville, so we are doing it,” Emerick said.

The races begin at 3:45 p.m. with the elementary fifth and sixth grade girls and boys, followed by the junior high girls and boys races. Emerick said there will be a senior recognition ceremony in between races prior to the varsity girls and boys races.

Emerick said that, so far five other schools will also be participating in the cross country meet, including Hartville, Dora, Bakersfield, Fordland and Conway.

“We are looking forward to a great day,” Emerick said.

“We are especially grateful for Doug Hawkins Shelter Insurance for providing the timing system,” Emerick said. “It’s expensive. We couldn’t have done it without his help.”

Emerick said he also wants to give a shout of appreciation for the Ozark County Wellness Committee for building the trail in the wooded area near the track that has allowed the team to host the event. “We wouldn’t be able to have this event if it hadn’t been for them,” Emerick said. 

The coach said he is looking forward to the meet and hopes it can become a regular event in Gainesville.

“There are a lot of folks who are so supportive of our student athletes,” Emerick said. “It means a lot.”