The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - Due to a lack of turnout, Dayton High School has opted not to offer cross-country to its athletes this year. At the beginning of the season, WP and Dayton students practiced together under former Dayton cross country coach Dan Nechodom. When only two Dayton students signed up for the season, Dayton chose to cancel their program.

Waitsburg's school board approved the hire of Nechodom as Waitsburg Cross Country coach at their Sept. 10 board meeting. WP currently has six cross-country athletes - five boys and one girl. Board members asked if the Dayton students were still able to practice and attend meets with the WP runners and indicated they would be welcome.

Waitsburg Athletic Director Stephanie Wooderchak said that WIAA Assistant Executive Director John Miller indicated that, as a public school, Dayton would need to coop with Waitsburg. That process would begin with an "approval to coop" originating from Dayton's school board to then be approved by Waitsburg and Prescott. There has been no movement in that direction, according to Wooderchak.

WP's first meet took place Sept. 13 at Chief Timothy Park in Clarkston.