JOPLIN, MO.--- Billy Brockmueller is 1 of more than 500 cross country athletes visiting Joplin this weekend for a national meet.
"It feels awesome, I feel very blessed," states Billy Brockmueller, Athlete.
The runners aren't the only ones counting their blessings.
"It's big, obviously if we can sell out our rooms, and then the other hotels in the area sell out their rooms, that's a big thing. We have almost 90 employees here so they are all working this week," states Tom Loudis, Holdiay Inn Director of Sales.
This influx in visitors affects much more than just the hotel industry.
"They are going to movies, they may be going to the mall, they're going to eat at different places, they are buying gas for their vehicles," states Loudis.
In addition to the athletes, coaches, parents, and even a few scouts are here looking to do more than just watch a good race.
"Probably trying out all of the eateries around here. There are some malls we are going to check out and some points of interest," sates Frank Lake, Parent of Athlete.
Which means more outside money coming into the Joplin economy.
"It probably will end up being around $2,000 to possibly $2,300. Which is okay because this is a chance of a lifetime," states Loudis.
It's also a chance for Joplin businesses to thrive.
"You're putting a quarter of a million dollars into the community, into a community in a pretty short period of time and that's a significant amount of money. With what's happened here in Joplin it's hopefully going to help boost their economy," states Scott Groom, Tournament Chariman.
This is the third time Missouri Southern has won the bid to host this tournament. NCAA officials say Missouri Southern is one of the few schools with their own cross country course, which helps secure that bid.
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