Four Local Runners All-SIRR

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Sparta, Murphysboro and Harrisburg claimed team titles during Thursday's River-to-River Conference Cross Country Championships.

Held inside the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds-and hosted by Du Quoin High School-the event attracted athletes from all 12 SIRR members.

Sparta swept to the Mississippi first place trophy in both the boys and girls races, edging Pinckneyville (39-45) on the boys side.

Cody Sims and AJ Ross led the Panthers with fourth and fifth place efforts.

Shay Kellerman (sixth place) was right behind with Jacob Loos (14th) and Drew Dudek (16th) also scoring in the top 20.

Du Quoin's Karson Hoffman was 19th.

Pinckneyville's girls were third to Sparta and Nashville, scoring 85 points.

Becky Vanderjack (ninth place) earned All-SIRR honors.

Samantha Schneider (14th) and Emily Miller (19th) both cracked the first 20 places, along with Du Quoin's Fatima Pirtle (18th). Paige Brocaille (22nd) of Pinckneyville just missed.

Kiefer Heiman (Nashville, 16:03) and Melyssa Bradshaw from Sparta (19:49) won individual titles.

Junior Mallory Hill of Du Quoin (22:08) was a repeat all-leaguer, turning in a 7th place finish.

Murphysboro's boys ended Benton's 11-year title streak on the Ohio side while Harrisburg out-pointed West Frankfort for the girls crown.

Dylan Hustley (Benton) and Alexis Stevens (Massac County) were individual champions.