Indian Valley Cross Country Craft Show in its 10th year
Some of the new items that will be for sale at the 10th annual IVHS Cross Country Craft Show
The 10th annual Indian Valley Cross Country Craft Show will top off the season with a fundraiser to support the team on Nov. 11 at Indian Valley Middle School in Tuscarawas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Crafters and vendors will overflow the gym, hallways and cafeteria with a variety of holiday gift items and more, from homemade cards to jewelry, art, clothing, home décor and baked goods. They also will have a 50/50 drawing and a raffle for a variety of prizes donated by the vendors.
The show also is a place to meet friends and neighbors for lunch. On the menu this year are creamed-chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, coneys, sloppy joes, chicken noodle soup, chili and a variety of soft drinks.
The sale not only helps the team, but also this year, the team will have a special bake sale table at the craft show to benefit a parent who is battling cancer.
“In the past year, we bought a new pair of warm-up jackets and pants that the team wears to meets,” coach Bill Palma said. “We also purchased a new camera that goes with our timing system. We were able to use this to host our first invitational this season.”
The team plays a big part in the success of the craft show.
“Friday after school, everyone shows up at Indian Valley Middle School and helps lay out tarps, set up tables and carry chairs. The setup takes about three hours,” Palma said.
Vendors also can set up that evening, and the team helps them as well.
“The team is able to meet some of the vendors supporting them and help carry things from the vendors’ cars to their tables,” Palma said. “On Saturday during the craft show, the team has a variety of jobs. Some help run the concession stand, some help collect and pull names for raffle prizes, and some assist vendors if they need anything.”
Palma is proud of what the team accomplished this year.
“We have had a successful season all around. Our high school boys have qualified for regionals for the third consecutive year. They have been led by junior Joe Carlisle, who ran the third fastest time in school history at the All-County Meet,” Palma said.
The girls team was down nine runners from last year, but they also bounced back for a successful season.
“They battled back through a lot of injuries throughout the season and placed seventh at the IVC Meet,” Palma said. “Our middle school program has also had a very successful year. The middle school girls were the county champions and conference runner-ups. The middle school boys were the runner-ups for both the county and conference meets.”
High school junior runner Joe Carlisle qualified for the state cross country championship this year. The event will be held Nov. 4 at Obetz.
“He finished 17th at the Pickerington Regional with a time of 16:19. Joe will be competing for an All-Ohio Award if he finishes in the top 30 at state,” Palma said.
Also competing in the regionals were Nolan Patacca, who finished in 89th place with a new personal record of 17:47; Delaney Phillips, who finished 152nd with a time of 19:15; Seth Krocker, who finished 154th with a time of 19:22; and Brock Albright, who finished 162nd with a time of 20:29. The boys team finished in 18th overall.
Freshman Jillian Welch also finished with a new personal record of 21:33 in her final race, placing 71st out of 160 girls.
Palma is grateful for the help of assistant coach Jessica Sucheck and middle school coach Jim Krocker.
“We have two amazing volunteers: Doug Krocker and Andy Krocker,” Palma said. “Doug and Andy drive to the meets ahead of the bus in order to set up tents and tarps for when we arrive.”
The annual craft show is always held the Saturday after the state meet in November. Get a start on your holiday shopping or pick up something for yourself or your home and help support this group of young athletes.