The Sparta boys cross country team came into the season ranked seventh in the first state-wide poll. The team didn’t disappoint in its first outing, running away with the 2010 Metro-East Lutheran Invitational team title with 60 points.
Olney took second with 104 points followed by Columbia (139), Freeburg (150), Porta (165), St. Teresa (179), Mascoutah (247), Chester (258), Lawrenceville (285),  and Metro-East Lutheran (305) to round out the top 10. Marissa-Coulterville took 14th overall with 367 points.
“I think our boys team can be pretty good,” said Sparta coach Mark North. “We ran pretty well, with three in the top 10 and six in the top 25.”
The boys squad was led by Wade Reeves, who won the varsity race. Wes Bradshaw took sixth, Jon Hill finished 16th and Trevor Morgan took 24th.
Chester’s squad was paced by Devin Valleroy, who claimed 15th. Link Cushman took 20th followed by Kyle Landon (51st), Zach Sternberg (83rd) and Brent Knop (89th).
For Marissa-Coulterville, Chazz Phelps took 38th, Clint Runyon finished in 56th, Johnnie Coke (76th), Kevin Galle (86th) and Kenny Jenkins (111th).
On the girls side, St. Teresa High School took first with 25 points, followed by Porta (87), Freeburg (91), Lawrenceville (161) and Altamont (187) to round out the top five. Sparta took 13th overall with 348 points, while Chester finished 16th with 411 and Marissa-Coulterville came in 20th with 527.
“On the girls side we graduated a ton of talent so we are looking for some girls to step up,” added North. Kristina Wilson is a senior and our #3 runner from last season.  Kelsi Wallace is a freshman that reminds us all of Aleigh Eggemeyer, she is going to be good.  Alexis Kohrs is back for her second season and is a tough competitor.  Bethany Huddleston has returned after cheerleading last year and has really looked strong.”
Wallace finished 32nd to lead Sparta, while Wilson took 36th, Kohrs 55th, Huddleston 96th and Sydney Wasson 129th.
The Chester squad was led by Jillian Yankey (58th), Emily Reid (72nd), Laura Liefer (78th), Taylor Yankey (84th) and Hanna Knop (119th).
Picking up points for the Lady Meteors were Ashley Lehman (73rd), Christa Hill (105th), Carleigh Baker (108th), Courtney Bingel (111th) and Becky Bowling (130th).