Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
MURPHYSBORO — Anna-Jonesboro and Benton each brought home second place trophies from the IHSA State Cross Country finals last November, and both have their eyes on more hardware this year.
The Lady Wildcats and Rangers began their trophy hunts with team victories at the Murphysboro Invitational.
Led by top five finishes from Jadyn Gerardi and Aleah Box, Anna-Jonesboro placed all seven runners in the top 20 to run away with the girls’ title. Breese Mater Dei, Murphysboro, Okawville, and Du Quoin rounded out the top five girls teams.
Meanwhile, seniors Gabe McLain (15:14.0) and Cole Buchanan (15:42.2) finished 1-2, as Benton’s top five finished in the top 28 to cruise to the boys’ title. Murphysboro was second, followed by Webber, Carbondale, and Pinckneyville.
Individually, Murphysboro senior Miah Gilmore got out to a quick start in the girls’ race and never let up, cruising to a 1:10 victory, finishing with a time of 18:23.7.
Complete results from the Murphysboro Invitational are here.
