The Gerry Smith Invitational formerly named the Redbird Invitational is recognized as one of the largest high school cross country meets in the State of Minnesota.  The 2012 version featured 28 teams with a lot of eyes on the gals race as two nationally ranked runners went head to head, junior Clare Flanagan of Blake (ranked 17th in the country) and senior Maria Hauger of Shakopee (ranked 25th in the country).

Clare Flanagan (junior, Blake School) winning the meet by a record margin of 1:20 and Minnehaha Academy winning the guys portion of the meet was expected at the Tri Metro Conference Preview meet run on Friday, August 31st at Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul.

The Lakeville North Mega Meet again proved to be one of the top meets of the high school season with 24 National Milesplit Elite performances, showcased in front of an announced crowd of 1,500.  The Lakeville North Mega Meet is known for treating student-athletes well and this year they added the large professional scoreboard showing the results of all races immediately after completion.  Add the race announcer who does a fantastic job of introducing all competitors and calling the race and you have the feel of a national elite meet with a Minnesota flavor!

A great day for racing in Section 4A on one of the more difficult Section courses in the State.  Both team result races resulted in tie-breakers and unfortunately a mistake ridden Awards Ceremony.

2011 Cross Country Season Section Assignments

The big news is Worthington, DeLaSalle, Holy Family Catholic, Saint Anthony Village, Dassel-Cokato, and Thief Rivers Falls are moving up to Class AA.    Section changes include; New Prague: 2AA to 1AA, Willmar: 2AA to 8AA, Andover: 5AA to 7AA, Saint Michael-Albertville: 8AA to 7AA, Big Lake: 8AA to 7AA, Medford: 1A to 2A, Lac Qui Parie Val/Daw-B: 6A to 3A, Mayer Lutheran: Out of 4A joins Holy Trinity-Lester Prairie in 5A, Royalton: 5A to 6A, East Central: 7A to 5A, Pelican Rapids: 8A to 6A.