Smithton, IL — Cooler temperatures and great competition brought out the best of Carterville cross-country this Saturday in Freeburg, Illinois. Following an aggressive race plan to the letter, the varsity girls got things started quickly with a 3rd place finish out of 14 teams. Every member of the squad set season records, with Liesel Balmforth, Landry Crain, Rose Balmforth, and Masi Harris all setting lifetime personal records, including an almost 2 minute drop from Harris, competing in her first varsity competition. The varsity boys carbon-copied the girl's success, finishing 4th out of 19 teams, with Ethan Swartz, Nick Wilhelm, Jack Roberston, and Jake Wilhelm setting lifetime bests, while Alex DeRuntz and Mason Webb set season records. Additionally, six athletes ran under 17 minutes in the same race for only the second time in program history, and the only time prior to the postseason. As good as the varsity races were, the best was yet to come, as the entire JV squad set personal records en route to a 4th place finish. Vincent Lin and Ivan Stojanovski were exceptionally impressive, lowering their previous lifetime bests by 54 and 57 seconds respectively. Full results can be found at: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/277706/info The lions will return to action this coming Saturday, October 3rd, at the prestigious Peoria Invitational on the famed Detweiller Park State Championship course. We look forward to another great race, and go lions!