The boys and girls cross country teams will be traveling to Peoria this weekend to compete in the Richard Spring Invitational. The course will be at Detweiller Park, about a 3 hour drive from LZHS.

“I am so stoked for the trip coming up. I didn’t think I could make the cut for it, because it is very competitive to go,” Elizabeth Kalafut, freshman said. “I can’t wait.  I have an injury that still bothers my shin from last year but that hasn’t held me back too much. I have been trying my hardest at races and I enjoy being competitive. My shins have been very good and I hope for a great race come Saturday.”

The entire boys’ cross country team will be competing at the meet (frosh/soph, junior varsity, varsity), but only the top 14 from the girls team (frosh/soph and varsity) will race.

The race is a good preview of the season, according to Kalafut. The course is the same for the State race, which is in November, but Kalafut feels very prepared going into Saturday’s race.

“Many of the girls took me under their wing. Silverman and Ledbetter are the best coaches and have eased me into my running season very well. Our team is very unified and there is always someone to talk to. I really want to continue cross country and I aspire to be on the varsity team.”