The Knoxville Cross Country Squads are not blessed with huge numbers but for the boys, the quality of runners outweighs the numbers. Junior Isaac Rankin will be the leader as he is looking for a 3rd consecutive State Meet appearance in October and Coach Michael Splavec tells KNIA/KRLS Sports Rankin is becoming that leader on the course.

Splavec: “Doing his best as a leader to bring more kids along. He’s done a goo0d job of bringing kids on runs and being that leader and encourager when things get tough, so we’re excited to see what he can do.”

Reed Sinclair, Ethan Russell, Bradley Hembrook, and Ezra Schmidt will likely be the ones who will score for the Panthers. Splavec ads all have had solid summers running in preseason. The Panthers get their season started Monday with the Knoxville Early Bird at Pine Knolls Golf Course. Catch an entire interview with Michael and Mikayla Splavec on the Hy-Vee Radio Coaches Corner this Saturday at nine on KNIA/KRLS.