Jim Inghram previews meets with plenty of history and great competition hitting courses near you Saturday.

EDWARDSVILLE • Rugged terrain, hills, maybe some ruts and divots — those are the usual obstacles in a cross country race.

CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY NOTEBOOK

Nerinx Hall • The Markers lose their top runner from last season, Sophia Racette, to graduation, but the next six are back, led by junior Erin Smith, who was 23rd in the state meet last season.

There was a lot of pleading. Some coaxing and almost outright begging. O Fallon sophomore Brooke Witzel finally gave in and went out for cross country.

The top runner on last year's Missouri Class 4 runner-up. Along with Sarah Nicholson could give the Lancers the state title this season. Placed fifth at the state meet with an 18:20.06.

Had the best finish in the state meet of any Illinois girls runner in Class 2A or 3A. She was 39th in 2A with an 18:19. Singleton was ninth in the regional and improved to third in the 2A sectional.