Teams from Amboy, Dixon, La Salle-Peru, Mendota, Fieldcrest, Morris, Princeton, Hall, and Newman all competed during the Gary Coates Invitational cross country meet on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at Zearing Park in Princeton.

Something a little different to help get runners in shape and excited for the season is what Ottawa cross country coach Dan Heaver had in mind when putting together the Ottawa Nautical Mile Relays. Mission accomplished.

Cross Country teams from Hall, L-P, Mendota, Princeton, Seneca, St Bede, Ottawa, Streator, and Somonauk/Leland competed in the Ottawa Nautical Mile Relay on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 at Catlin Park in Ottawa.

Seneca's Natalie Misener, La Salle-Peru's Adam Kasperski ran to individual La Salle County XC Invitational titles on Saturday at The Eastwood Golf Course in Streator. The Ottawa girls claimed a fourth-straight team title and the Cavaliers boys won for the first time since 2021.

Boys and girls Cross Country teams from Mendota, La Salle-Peru, Princeton, Newman, Amboy, Morris, Hall and Fieldcrest all competed during the Gary Coates Invitational Cross Country meet on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at Zearing Park in Princeton.

Check out photos from the Class 2A girls State Cross Country meet on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.

Check out photos from the Class 1A State Cross Country meet on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.

Princeton senior Lexi Bohms started to enjoy running more over the summer and it led to her training more. With additional training, Bohms cut her times down and qualified for state again, earning NewsTribune Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

A look at the top girls cross country runners in the NewsTribune area this season with runners from La Salle-Peru, Princeton, Fieldcrest and Henry-Midland.