Posted Date: 09/21/2017
For the same corresponding Saturday in September since 2004, Mansfield High School has played host to their annual invitational cross country meet. This year that tradition continues albeit with a magical twist
For the first time Mansfield has an added an unorthodox attraction to the four race schedule. This year during the moments between racing and results, Greenwood Freshman Academy student Braden Lewis has agreed to perform segments of his magic act.
Lewis has been performing up-close magic since he was in the seventh grade. Plans are to let Greenwood freshman do some of his slight of hand card tricks after each race and before the awards are presented.
The Tigers host their meet on Saturday, September 23 beginning at 9 AM on the back lot of the high school campus. At least 25 different schools have committed to attend with more entries expected before the deadline.
Races are scheduled for senior girls, senior boys, junior girls, and junior boys. The order of events will follow that exact lineup as a rolling timetable continues once the senior girls begin the first race.
Already there are 516 total athletes registered for the four races. More are expected as Friday’s registration deadline approaches.
Medals for the top 15 runners in each race as well as team plaques to the winners and runner-ups will be given.
The carnival like cross country atmosphere will continue with the addition of Kona-Ice. The traveling concession wagon will offer patrons a wide variety of fun flavors of icy frozen drinks while they enjoy the long distance races, magic tricks, and awards presentation.
The start and finish lines for the senior high races are on the high school football practice field. The junior high competitions start at the north-east corner of the bus lane and merge into the same course as the older runners.
Awards presentations along with the special features will be located in the parking lot adjacent to the high school storm shelter. T-shirts commemorating the event will also be available.
Racing fans and magic ehnthusiastics are encouraged to attend. There is no admission price to attend the 14th annual event.