October 20, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador High School Athletic Federation:

Provincial High School Cross Country Running - October 24

Fatima Academy in St. Brides will play host to schools from across the province this coming weekend at the High School Cross County Running Championships. The Newfoundland Labrador School Milk Foundation/Dairy Farmers Association and Keyin College are the sponsors of the event.

Thirty-eight teams, along with over 30 additional individual runners will compete in junior and senior boys and girls events. Teams have qualified for this competition by winning the zone and/or regional competition. Any individual not on the winning team can qualify by placing in the top three in their regional competition. Teams consist of five runners with the top four runners scoring team points.

The junior boys race will be run over a 3,000 metre course. Teams competing include O'Donel High (Mount Pearl), Ascension Collegiate (Bay Roberts), Fatima Academy, Marystown Central High, St. Paul's (Gander), Fitzgerald Academy (Bay d'Espoir), Dorset Collegiate (Pilley's Island), Stephenville High and St. Augustines High (Plum Point).

The junior girls race a 2,000 metre course. Competing in the team event will be St. Kevin's (Goulds), Ascension Collegiate (Bay Roberts), St. Anne's Academy (Dunville), St. Lawrence Central High, Smallwood Academy (Gambo), Greenwood Academy (Milltown), Baie Verte High, Stephenville High and Roncalli High (Port Saunders).

The teams competing in the 3,000 metre senior girls race include O'Donel High (Mount Pearl), Ascension Collegiate (Bay Roberts), Fatima Academy, John Burke High (Grand Bank), Smallwood Academy, St. Peter's Academy (Westport), Stephenville High and Menihek High (Labrador City).

The final event will be the 5,000 metre senior boys race. Competing for top honours will be O'Donel High, Ascension Collegiate, Fatima Academy, St. Lawrence Central High, Gander Collegiate, Fitzgerald Academy (English Harbour West), Baie Verte High, Regina High (Corner Brook), Roncalli High and Goose High School (Happy Valley-Goose Bay).

A championship banner as well as gold and silver medals will be awarded in each of the four divisions. A Keyin sportsmanship award will also be presented to one individual in each division.

Media contact: Karen Richard, (709) 729-2795

Convenor: Melvin Critch, (709) 337-2500, Fax: (709) 337-2042.

1998 10 20 10:30 a.m.