Cross country teams to host 6A-West Meet

It will be held Thursday afternoon at the Simmons Course.

It’s been more than two weeks since the Siloam Springs varsity cross country teams have competed in a race.

The Panthers and Lady Panthers last competed at the Van Buren Invitational on Oct. 15, but they’ll return to competition on Thursday as they host the 6A-West Conference Cross County Meet at the Simmons Course in Siloam Springs.

The girls 5K race will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by the boys 5K at 4 p.m.

“Because they moved back the state meet (to Nov. 12), it created a considerable gap between the last regular season meet and conference,” said head cross country coach Sharon Jones. “I’m sure we’ll all be rested and eager to run. We have the advantage of knowing the course and not having to travel all day.”

Some teams aren’t so lucky. Runners from 6A-West Conference teams Benton, El Dorado, Greenwood, Lake Hamilton, Russellville, Sheridan and Texarkana will join Siloam Springs in today’s race.

Four of the top five teams from last year’s state meet will be present at the conference meet, with only Mountain Home’s boys and girls not present.

Siloam Springs is twotime defending state champion in girls, while Lake Hamilton won the boys championship last year with Siloam Springs finishing runner-up.

Jones said Panthers’ normal varsity roster, including three freshmen that were moved up toward the end of the regular season, will run in the race. Jones also said the coaches have invited all their freshmen to run in Thursday’s race after running in the 7AWest Conference Meet in Rogers on Tuesday, and several have accepted the invitation.

Medals will go to the top 10 individuals in each race, and a championship plaque will be awarded to the winner of each race.

T-shirts will be on sale and a concession stand will be available. Race results will be available at ar.milesplit.com or racewizard.com.

The 6A state meet will be Nov. 12 at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs.