John Raffel
Sports Scene
Not everyone is always satisfied with the venues that the Michigan High School Athletic Association provides.
Not that they’ve got a point, mind you.
Take the Michigan International Speedway, for instance. I actually heard a couple of mumbles and grumbles from individuals at this year’s races. I’m not sure what the beef is other than to hear one person suggest the MHSAA has other options for venues.
But it doesn’t appear they’re interested. Nor should they be.
Cross country has been at MIS since 1996. Sure, it’s not designed as a typical cross country course like golf courses or. But it doesn’t have to be.
“We’re quite happy with everything there,” said John Johnson of the MHSAA’s communications staff. “It has all the infrastructure we need.”
It’s also big enough to have all four divisions for boys and girls are one site. What’s a better venue, the Silverdome parking lot?
Johnson likes the medical facilities that are available on site. In fact, his son was a casulty in the early years as a spectator during an accident but was treated nicely by medical personnel on the spot.
The MIS has been very accommodating. In fact, the MIS was going to set up an alternate course in the back portion of the lot. The oval was being repaved and the MIS wasn’t sure if the infield would be available where the race finishes.
“It was going to be there one way or another,” Johnson said. “The site has all the infrastructure.”
It makes for an interesting championship site. True, they don’t put concession stands in the most convenient spot. But that’s a very minor inconvenience.
So for those of you who want a change of venue….forget it. It’s not going to happen, nor should it.