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.

Finished seventh at the Illinois Class 1A state meet last season with a time of 17 minutes, 52 seconds, that helped the Musketeers to a 21st-place team finish. Burmester was the sectional cham…

Leigh was the 10th-place finisher at the Missouri Class 4 state championship meet and the top sophomore with a time of 18:42.59.