The University of Illinois Springfield cross country course got an upgrade over the summer and was lengthened from a 2,000-meter (1.24-mile) loop to 3,000 meters (1.86 miles).
UIS cross country coach Mike De Witt also upgraded the men’s and women’s roster in both quality and quantity as the Prairie Stars approach their second season in program history.
“We’re much bigger,” UIS sophomore runner Maddie Logsdon said. “We’re pretty excited because we have so many new recruits who are good that can really help us stand out.”
De Witt has 16 males and 15 females, and the Prairie Stars have gained an increase in talent.
“It’s a very young team all around,” Reynolds said. “The talent is there.
"We’re going to be young and improved. The other teams in the conference are going to have to definitely take note because of how young we are and we all are going to probably stay together.”
UIS hosts a home meet Friday with Illinois College, Blackburn and Lindenwood-Belleville participating.
This article appeared in The State Journal-Register on August 31, 2016.
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