Mizzou discussing possible cross country course in Columbia

University of Missouri Athletic Director Jim Sterk said he is working with the city to come up with a plan for cross country course in Columbia.

In an exclusive interview with ABC 17, Sterk said, “A course that will hold the high school championships, the SEC and maybe a national in the future….It is something that I think would put Mizzou on the map.”

Sterk added the recognition the Mizzou Track and Field program received after Karissa Schweizer won six national championships is another reason he wants to get a cross-country course in Columbia.

“It would be neat to recognize her out there in some fashion,” Sterk said.

Sterk added the effort to create more infrastructure and put more resources into Mizzou’s track facilities is something he and his coaches want to pursue.

“We have the ground to make it a really competitive course. It would be a neat setting you or I could use, but it would also be something to use from a competitive standpoint.”

Sterk said the project is still in the planning stage, and he is working with Columbia Parks and Recreation to find a location near Gans Creek. Sterk said there is no set date for when the project could begin.