The Clinton School District is excited to share that Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School cross country athletes will soon have access to a new, state-of-the-art cross country course, designed by the project’s donor along with the help of the University of Missouri’s cross country coach and architect, Brett Halter.
The course is being developed as a privately funded facility on privately owned land, and the district will have use and access for training and events through a partnership with the project’s organizer, Chris Hite.Mr. Hite is a Clinton High School alum and former cross country standout. A member of the Class of 1993, he ran all four years at CHS and earned All-State honors in 1992. He later founded Sugar Creek Capital and remains deeply committed to supporting his hometown and alma mater. “I want this course to be something the kids enjoy running on for years to come and appreciate all those that are helping to make it possible,” Hite said.
The course will be located just east of city limits next to the Clinton Regional Airport, and is expected to be ready for use by Fall 2026. Once complete, this new facility will provide the district with the ability to host larger meets and offer a premier training and competition venue for student-athletes.
“Having the ability to host a home invitational, with the possibility of hosting districts, on a custom-designed premier course is something most coaches only dream about,” says Jimmy Barnes, CHS and CMS Cross Country Coach. “For us, it’s a reality. I can’t wait to see how big the meet can grow over the years.”
