Prep cross country gets going in earnest this week with most teams competing in the Spartan Invitational in Murray on Friday. Here’s a look at teams as the new season approaches:

BOUNTIFUL

Coach Conner Cox’ boys team will be led by senior Hayden Hooper, 12th at state last year, and senior Simon Barlow, 13th at state in 2023. Other top runners are junior Drew Babcock, senior Mason Christopherson, junior Elijah Guzman, and sophomores Evan Ostler, David Ebert and Evan Richards.

The Lady Redhawks will turn to junior Taya Sanders, who had a breakout track season last spring, running 5:39 in the 1600m and 12:01 in the 3200m. Also high on the charts are senior Ella Becker, sophomore Ellie Showalter, senior Malea Wilson, junior Ella McQuay, freshman Grace McQuay, sophomores Alexa Parades and Claire Sullivan, and senior Lily Thorne.

DAVIS

Coach Paul Timothy’s team expects back seniors Jonny Reed, Cade Rawlings and Carter Rawlings, along with junior Gage Trujillo and sophomore Jonas Clay.

The Lady Darts coming back are expected to include sophomore Isabella Cram, seniors Grace Frodsham and Helen Glaze, and junior Keeley Miller.

FARMINGTON

Coach Ben Jacobsen said his boys are led by seniors Joseph Miller and Landon Sturgeon, but added the team has great depth. He said Farmington had five runners in the top 12 at a pre-region meet.

The Lady Phoenix will be led by senior Skye Siddoway, who finished last track season running 5:00 in the mile and under 11 minutes in the two mile. She is followed by freshman Ellie Dorius who ran 5:30 in the mile as an 8th grader. Both finished in the top 5 at the pre-region meet earlier this summer.

VIEWMONT

The Vikings lost superstar Gabe Hooper to graduation, but are expected to return with seniors Ben Hyde, Hayden Arbuckle and Talmage Bruschke. Newer runners will join the pack this year as well.

The Lady Vikes also lost two stars to graduation – Naomi Egnew and Keira Stacey. Expected back are senior Audrey Lemon, junior Brooklyn Brady and senior Sarah Scott.

WOODS CROSS

Top 10 finisher Brady Christensen has graduated, so the Wildcats will look to juniors Sam Phippen and Henry Hyde. Again, a young team with new runners in the wings ready to make their mark.

The Lady Wildcats should be led this year by senior Katie Hansen and junior Brie Nydegger, both top 25 at state last year. A host of younger runners also return for the Cats.

This all leads to region championship meets in mid-October and the state championships Oct. 30, returning this year to Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City.