Track & Field and Cross-Country Bulletin for May 12, 2020

by Steve Underwood


Everyone's looking forward to witnessing those triumphant Outdoor Nationals moments we all treasure, like Katelyn Tuohy's 2018 record-breaking mile triumph.
 

It's been a crazy last two months for our nation and our planet as we battle this life-changing Coronavirus. And while track & field is far from the most important thing in the realities of all of our lives, there are still thousands and thousands of us -- athletes, coaches, families, officials and fans -- who miss our favorite sport and relish the opportunity to train for, compete in and watch T&F meets again!

To that end, we're planning several events, from our new Virtual Nationals beginning this week, to Outdoor Nationals in July (or August), and to our Great American XC Festival and HBCU Challenge -- nearly 5 months down the road. Our ability to stage all events (except Virtual Nationals) will be, of course, dependent on our safely being able to do so as determined by local, state and national guidelines.
 

Outdoor Nationals and a New Survey

As of today, the 30th edition of the NSAF's Outdoor Nationals is still planned for July 16-19 at NC A&T State U. in Greensboro, N.C. More than 1,600 athletes are registered and we continue to accept registration sans payment until we are able to confirm with certainty the meet dates relative to conditions set by the City of Greensboro and state of North Carolina in dealing with COVID-19.

HOWEVER, we are exploring other late-summer options if we can't host it in Greensboro. Our new SURVEY asks YOU -- our T&F community -- if you would compete at Outdoor Nationals if it were in mid-August and if it were somewhere like Sioux Falls, S.D. For those who aren't familiar with Sioux Falls, the massive Howard Wood Dakota Relays - one of the nation's outstanding large-scale invitationals -- has been hosted at Howard Wood Stadium in Sioux Falls for decades. It's a beautiful facility with very similar size and capacity to NCAT. Please read about the options and take the SURVEY.

The NSAF is looking forward to a new chapter in its 30-year history of hosting its national championships after the departure of presenting sponsor New Balance. Read about that HERE.
 

Virtual Nationals starts Friday

Meanwhile, the NSAF and AthleticNET are launching NSAF x AthleticNET Virtual Nationals, a virtual competition to be held over 5 weeks, starting this weekend through June 19. Meets and registration are through AthleticNET and the AthleticAPP.

The first of the three virtual qualifying meets begins Friday, May 15, with subsequent meets starting May 25 and June 1. The Finale, June 15-19, is open to the top 50 overall performers from each of the 18 individual events – each of whom will receive a special Virtual Nationals backpack. The top 10 in each event will receive will be named Virtual All-Americans and all overall entrants will receive a custom t-shirt.

MORE DETAILS
 

Also coming this summer: JavFest and Performance Clinics

We still have planned our 2020 American JavFest at East Stroudsburg South HS in Pennsylvania, recently rescheduled for July 31-August 1. We have built up a fantastic history with the JavFest, which has not only seen many of the nation's top preps competing, but also top collegians and elite/pros shooting for Olympic and World Championship qualifiers.

The 2019 champions included Michael Shuey, Ariana Ince, Jared O'Riley and Alexandria Webb. If you're a javelin afficianado, please register HERE and circle the dates on your calendar.

We are also planning to launch our 2020-21 Project Javelin Gold and Project Triple Jump campaigns with our annual joint clinic in Sioux Falls -- held with our great partners from the Sanford Sports Science institute in their state-of-the-art complex.

Check out details on our Project Javelin and Project Triple Jump pages.

Of course, both events will be held only if it's safe for athletes, coaches, officials, parents and fans -- as determined by national, state and local authorities. Please stay tuned to nationalscholastic.org for updates.
 

Virtual Throws Conference

On Tuesday, May 12, there will be a live Virtual Throws Conference (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAL5egjYr4U) hosted by our Project Javelin Head Coach, Tom Pukstys -- sponsored by our friends and Partners at M-F Athletic!

 

Registration open for GAXC Festival and HBCU Challenge

We remain hopeful that the fall cross-country season can be held for HS athletes across the nation and that we can once again welcome harriers from the Southeast and beyond to the Great American Cross Country Festival and HBCU Challenge -- set for October 3, 2020 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

Check out the details! GAXC Home Page |  HBCU Home Page | Registration Link


Stay safe and stay healthy, everyone! Hope to see you soon at an NSAF Event!

 

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