Photo Courtesy of Guthrie Public schools.
The Guthrie Bluejays will host the fourth annual Clay Tarter Invitational this week at Cottonwood Flats, bringing middle school and high school crosscountry teams together to honor one of the most influential coaches in Guthrie history.
The middle school meet will be Thursday, followed by the high school meet Friday.
Clay Tarter coached Guthrie High School cross country and track for 38 years. During his career, he led nine state championship teams, including seven crosscountry state championships, and helped establish Guthrie as a respected cross-country program.
The invitational honors Tarter’s lasting impact on Bluejay athletics and the runners and coaches he influenced throughout his career.
The course at the Flats is known for being flat and spectator friendly, offering athletes an opportunity to chase fast times while giving families and friends a good view of the competition.
Former Clay Tarter runners and alumni are encouraged to return to Guthrie and attend the meet.
The community also is invited to take part in a fun run at 7 a.m. Friday. The run is open to anyone who wants to participate.
The Bluejays invite athletes, families, friends and community members to come out, support the runners and celebrate Tarter’s legacy.
For more information or to let organizers know your team plans to attend, contact the Guthrie cross-country program.