Weekend Preview: Mississippi Cross Country Is Back

Neely Farm Magee, MS

Aug 12, 2023

The Cross Country season is off to a blazing start with the traditional Early Bird 2-miler, hosted by Simpson Academy. This kick-off event, though primarily MAIS-centric, promises fierce competition, particularly in the Varsity Girls' race.
Talk about a loaded field! The girls' race will feature four of the top seven schools: No. 1 East Rankin Academy, No. 2 Madison Ridgeland Academy, No. 5 Columbia Academy, and No. 7 Simpson Academy. On the individual front, eyes will be on Simpson's dynamic duo, Lilly Overby and Layla Warren. While Warren boasts the title of defending champion and meet record holder, Overby stands out with her course record time of 11:43. However, don't count out anyone else, as there is a plethora of talent behind the Simpson duo that could shake up this race in a big way.
The Varsity Boys aren't left behind. Anticipation is high for another riveting showdown between defending champion Dallas Stricker and Park Place Christian's Christopher Atkinson. Their duel was the talk of last season, and depending on the weather conditions, we might see a new course record in the offing.
Let's not forget the intrigue of an early-season face-off between state's top two teams: East Rankin and MRA. The atmosphere is electric, and the Mississippi Cross Country community can't wait for the gun to go off, signaling the start of another thrilling season! **UPDATE: MRA is registered for meet, but did not input any entries**