Hangman Strings Up Runners Golf Course Bars Cross Country Races After Concerns About Money, Crowds

Hangman Valley Golf Course, which once echoed the footsteps of distance running legends, is tightening the noose on Spokane-area cross country runners.

After 18 years of state-qualifying meets, economic factors figured in a golf advisory board decision to close the course to future AAA East Regional and District 7 cross country meets, said Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Fair golf manager Mike Kingsley.

Last year the meet moved from a typical Wednesday date the last week in October to Saturday to accommodate the first regional contest between Greater Spokane and Big Nine Conference runners.

“It happened to be on a weekend when we had a lot of Canadians coming down to play,” said Kingsley. “They pay $19.50 a pop and we turned away thousands of dollars in revenue. We obviously had upset customers and a pro wondering why we were in the cross country business and not golf.”

Based on revenue potential, the cost of renting the facility for a day is around $3,000, said Kingsley.

Kingsley said another issue was the increasing number of spectators. Damage to the course was minimal but parking, crowd control and litter were concerns.

Jay Rydell, cross country coordinator for District 8, said alternative sites are being explored but that Hangman Valley is the most ideal option. He added the schools would make concessions to alleviate concerns.

Those proposals have not included paying rent, said Kingsley. County courses also host Washington Junior Golf, high school golf and state tournaments at no cost.

“We get tapped seven to eight times per course per year,” Kingsley said. “We’re giving an awful lot of product away.”

The decision was met with dismay by area cross country coaches, who likely will campaign to reverse the decision.

“It makes me sick,” said East Valley’s Nick Lazanis, whose girls team is a two-time district and state champion. “It’s a beautiful place to run and a great spectator area.”

Hangman Valley, with a scenic terrain to challenge runners and good visibility, was the site of the 1973 and 1977 NCAA Cross Country championships won by international stars Steve Prefontaine of Oregon and Henry Rono of Washington State.

A legion of Spokane prep distance running stars and state champions followed their footsteps, beginning in 1978 with district and regional competition and three state meets (1983-85).

University High’s Bob Barbero, who helped develop the race layout said, “I understand what the county’s trying to say. But there’s a lot of tradition there. That’s what upsets me. It’s like moving the University of Oregon’s track to another part of town. It gets the job done but the atmosphere’s not the same.”

If it takes $3,000 to keep the meet and distance running legacy alive at Hangman Valley, said Barbero, the money should be raised.

“I’m a traditionalist,” he said. “Kids have grown up with the course and followed it. Let’s keep it there.”

, DataTimes