A very young Clinton Maroons cross-country program flew in under the radar in 2021. That won't be the case in 2022.

The Lady Maroons cross country team, directed by co-head coach Rachel Anderson-Lyons, is looking to repeat as Central Illinois Conference champions with three athletes advancing to state. 

Last season, Drew Moser was a revelation as a sophomore and Coach Anderson-Lyons has seen a lot of maturity for her junior runner this year setting the tone by working very hard in the offseason.

Coach Anderson-Lyons says her teams have big goals. She believes her boy's team will surprise some people this fall and believes the girl's team is exceptionally strong give the returning runners they have from last year.

In 2020, the program introduced a very unique season-opening event at Clinton High School utilizing the entire campus including the junior high school for a boy's and girl's meet. Coach Anderson-Lyons says the event is unique because meets are traditionally not held at night so a night run is very unique. 

New to the event this year; at the conclusion of the closing ceremonies around 9 pm, there will be a professional-grade fireworks display. Coach Anderson-Lyons says Darren Moser and his brother will be helping coordinate that display at Clinton High School.

For those that hope to attend the Saturday event, Coach Anderson-Lyons asks attendees to avoid the Clinton High School parking lot because that will be part of the course for the runners. She encourages parking at Clinton Junior High School or at CES across Illini Drive.