Cross-country championships stay in Fresno

The CIF State Cross Country Championships are remaining at Woodward Park — and more secure than ever.

The Fresno Sports Council on Monday announced a six-year extension of the meet at Woodward Park — the only home the event has known in its 22-year history. This year’s meet is Nov. 28.

Typically, the CIF, which governs high school sports in the state, awards three-year contracts to host sites.

The new agreement will run from 2010-2015, locking in a multidivision meet that draws nearly 2,000 athletes and 10,000 spectators, pumping $1 million annually into the local economy.

The FSC will continue to partner with the Clovis Unified School District, which has managed the meet under Buchanan coach Marty Simpson. Clovis East coach Dustin Marzolf will take over next year.

The Fresno Bee