By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

SOUTH POINT — A new day and a new time.

Breaking tradition, the Ohio Valley Conference track and field meet will shift from its usual Friday date to Saturday and begin with field events at 11 a.m. and the 4×800 relay at 11:30. All other running events will begin at 12:30 p.m. on the South Point High School track.

Coal Grove has won three straight track titles and the Hornets figure to battle the Fairland Dragons this year with a chance at a fourth consecutive championship.

But it is not a foregone conclusion that Coal Grove and Fairland will win. River Valley looms at the dark horse and the Chesapeake Panthers are much-improved from the start of the season after adding several athletes from the football and basketball team who did not compete at the start of the season.

On the girls’ side, River Valley stunned the field in winning the league title last year and snapping a two-year run by the Fairland Lady Dragons.

However, this year the race should be tighter and as many as five teams have a chance at the title.

River Valley will have a chance to defend its title but Fairland, Coal Grove, Chesapeake and South Point are all very capable of moving to the top of the team totals with the meet so wide-open.

Although Rock Hill is not considered a contender, the Redwomen are improved over last year and could have a say in which team does win the title.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70s with clear skies.

Admission is $5.