By BUDDY HURLOCK • The News Journal • September 12, 2008

For the first time in 11 years, the high school cross country state championships will be held at White Clay Creek State Park in Newark this fall.

The 3.1-mile course there is considered to be the state's most balanced course, more challenging than the flat runs at Killens Pond State Park near Felton or at Bellevue State Park, but not as demanding as the hilly course at Brandywine Creek State Park.

"White Clay is a fantastic course," said Pat Castagno, a former Salesianum School runner who now coaches Tatnall's boys and girls teams, with the girls five-time defending state champs in Division II.