As the 2024 cross country season nears, Milesplit Arkansas will spend one week previewing one of the six classifications in the state.
A new champion will be crowned in Class 4A this fall and there are several girls capable of winning the big one later this season in Hot Springs. The top two teams from last season, Clinton and Gravette, are tasked with replacing some of their top runners, opening the door to other teams chasing a state title.
Take a look at the athletes, teams, and storylines to watch for in Class 4A girls this season. Class previews for 5A will begin next week, followed by 6A.
2024 ARKANSAS CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIEWS
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Contenders:
Kai Killingsworth finishing at last year's state championship meet
For much of the last two years, Maddie Cabana has been the top runner in 4A. Now that she has graduated, the top of the class is up for grabs and there are a handful of runners who could assume that position.
Kai Killingsworth is the second-fastest returner in 4A this season. The freshman's 4th-place finish makes her the top returner from last season's state meet and the rising sophomore from Berryville will carry that momentum into her second high school cross country season this fall.
Keira Ralph owns the fastest returning time from 4A last season and will be another threat to win the individual championship in November. The junior from Gravette set her personal best at the Van Buren Classic last October, running a 20:24.15.
Mayli Martin finished behind Ralph at the Van Buren Classic and state meet last fall, but after setting three new personal best times on the track this spring, the senior from Pottsville looks capable of challenging for the top spot again this season.
Alice Crum is the third-fastest returner from last season. The freshman finished her track season this June competing at two AAU Arkansas qualifying races and will be another name that competes for the individual crown in 4A.
Azul Garcia has yet to compete in cross country, but the rising junior from Warren finished second in the 1,600m at the 4A state meet this spring and would instantly become a championship contender.
Litzy Garcia finished 7th at last season's state meet and is Class 4A's fifth fastest returner from last season, which makes her another we need to keep our eyes on this fall. As one of Gravette's lone returning seniors, Garcia will play a crucial role in defending their team's championship from last year.
Other Individuals to Watch: Lillian Fletcher, Alyssa Neal, Sarina Mays, Baylee Hudman, Addison Cox
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Teams to Watch:
Gravette graduated just two runners from their championship team last season and enters 2024 with championship aspirations once again. The Lions will heavily rely on Nadiyah Thornton and Lilly Sharp, two sophomores from last season, to fill the void left by their two departures.
Clinton finished just two points behind Gravette at the state meet last season and returns the fastest team according to the Milesplit preseason predictions. The Yellow Jackets graduate their top 3 runners from last season but return six runners who have run under 24 minutes in the 5K which makes them a legitimate threat to win a state title in November.
DeQueen and Berryville each finished with 142 points at last season's state meet and will be looking to take steps forward this season.
The Leopards graduate four of their top seven runners from last season while the Bobcats graduate just one runner from their state championship team.
Other Individuals to Watch: Pottsville, Pea Ridge