Last year the Uni girls cross country team had to deal with a lack of numbers. But this year is a different story. The team has doubled in size, and the depth has resulted in excellent team performances. Led by senior Elizabeth Russell, the Illineks will be a tough opponent when the IHSA postseason begins in late October.

The Uni girls begin their season Tuesday at the Kickapoo Kickoff Classic. With more than twice the number of runners they had last year and a dynamic duo in senior Elizabeth Russell and freshman Sarah Vaughen, the Illineks have the depth and talent to make their fourth trip to the IHSA state finals in five years.