Poplar Bluff senior Julia Huck is ready to start the cross country season Saturday at Jackson. (Brian Rosener/DAR) [Click to enlarge]

By BRIAN ROSENER ~ DAR Sports Editor

Poplar Bluff cross country coach Beth Lewis is trying everything from games and post-practice Popsicle to "bring a friend to practice" to inject some fun in her first season.

"In a couple of years, we'll have the numbers," said Lewis, noting that there are 15-20 junior high runners who will compete this fall.

As for the varsity Mules and Lady Mules, 10 is a good day but leading the pack is a brother and sister with state championship goals. Travis Blalock, a sophomore, and younger sister Hannah will run with the upperclassmen Saturday in the Jackson Invitational.

Travis just missed advancing to state last year, finishing 19th at district, just 25 seconds from the final qualifying spot. He earned all-conference honors with a fifth-place finish.

"He should be pretty solid," Lewis said.

Hannah has already run a 5K in under 20 minutes -- only the top six runners in Class 3 did that at the state meet last year. She broke the Black River Festival year 5K record for women in July by 5 seconds.

"We're hoping for top five in the state. She's shooting for first," Lewis said. "She's a solid runner."

Brent Wagner, who finished 25th at conference last fall, is back for his senior season while Colton Woodsmall also returns year. The Mules, who finished ninth at district last year, will also feature first-year runners Austin Million and Darius Boyher, both juniors.

Julia Huck, who competed in a triathlon over the summer, has returned to the team for her senior season while Jasmin Sumrall came out for the team to get in shape for basketball season.

"Sumrall has come out of nowhere," Lewis said. "She didn't really want to run (but) she seems to be really enjoying it. Her competitive spirit is coming out (and) she's getting better."

Kelsey Sumrall, Hilary Carroll and Ashley Snapko will also line up for the Lady Mules, who did not have enough runners at the end of last season for a team score at district.

"They're working hard," said Lewis, who also coaches girls swimming and track. "I think we'll be competitive. They're running way faster than they have before."