Edwardsville standout Garrett Sweatt decided to go past National Signing Day to ensure his college decision was the right one. After much consideration  Sweatt chose to take his talents out west to Palo Alto, California and run for Stanford University. says the recruiting process has been amazing and the opportunity to talk to coaches from all over the country gave him an insight as to what college running would be like.

A report of the top collegiate performances from around the country of former Illinois high school stars from February 13, 2012 - February 19, 2012.

NEW ORLEANS – The latest USTFCCCA National Computer Team Rankings for Division I show a few changes from the previous week. The top four men’s teams stayed in the same spot, spurred by No. 1 Arkansas. Oregon still is the No. 1 team on the women’s side as LSU and Clemson switched positions, now standing at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.

Chris Derrick came to Stanford University in 2008 via Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Ill., where he was the 2007 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships runner-up and the Nike Cross Nationals individual champion (where he led his team to victory). He had a 8:48.9 3200m best and ran a 13:55.96 for 5,000m, the fastest time ever in an all-high school race.(via Running Times)

Once home to some of the biggest names in U.S. sports, track and field is struggling to produce a new generation of heroes. (via MarketWatch)

Memphis track and field announced the signing of Illinois high school track and field product Carolina Carmichael on Friday. Carmichael's accomplishments include being named Illinois All-State in 2010 and 2011 in the pole vault.

We haven't played one-on-one basketball against each other in a while," says Mark Derrick, a senior at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Ill. "I used to lose to him all the time just because he was bigger than me, but now that I've grown, it should be a pretty even game." (via Running Times)

As a  fiery eighth grader Tyler Ginger was gearing up for a new challenge. He had played the traditional sports and wanted to test his hand in something different. When he came out to the track he realized he wasn't very good at most events, except for one, the pole vault.  He says that event stood out to him above any other.

Illinois women's head track and field coach Tonja Buford-Bailey announced the addition of five talented student-athletes to the 2012-13 recruiting class including the addition of the No. 1 sprinter in the country along with a state record holder in the hurdles, two state champion distance runners and a state champion in the pole vault. (via www.fightingillini.com)

Lexi Ellis has made tremendous strides in a sport she started competing in as an eighth grader. The Morton High School senior’s quick development helped her land an opportunity at Loyola University Chicago, which she made official Feb. 1 by signing her National Letter of Intent.(via http://www.mortontimesnews.com)

A report of the top collegiate performances from around the country of former Illinois high school stars from February 06, 2012 - February 12, 2012.

The Northern Illinois track & field team turned in a second-straight record-setting day Saturday at the Iowa State Classic. (via www.niuhuskies.com)

In his On Track blog, Galesburg High School track coach Craig Hillier says practice is under way and athletes from around the state have their sights set on a trip to "Big Blue" in Charleston. (via http://www.galesburg.com)

The Illinois State men's and women's track & field and cross country teams signed five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent (NLI) to continue their academic and athletic careers at Illinois State, as announced by head track & field coach Elvis Forde Thursday. (via www.goredbirds.com)

BLOOMINGTON -- Parents looking to keep their children healthy and active can choose from among many youth sports to help them do so. Three-time Olympian Craig Virgin recommends track. (via pantagraph.com)  

Ever wonder how the IHSA does assigning for the state series? Well they produced a video to show you how it comes togther via their mapping program. (via www.ihsa.org)

Northwestern head cross country coach April Likhite announced today the 10 members of her 2012 incoming freshman class, a group that draws on six states and adds to a roster that returns many of its top performers from a successful 2011 campaign.

The Illini men’s track and field team has what could become a secret weapon this season. Sophomore Ryan Lankford, a wide receiver on the football team, has been allowed by newly hired football head coach Tim Beckman to compete with the track squad during his football offseason. (via www.dailyillini.com)

A report of the top collegiate performances from around the country of former Illinois high school stars.

Held at the brand-new JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem, the meet is open for unattached individuals and clubs from around the Southeast.

  We added a new feature that allows anyone (must be logged in) the ability to submit videos to us. Once you do so, they are instantly posted on the meet page. This allows you to help us supplement our coverage by shooting some video at the meets you attend, show off your creativity, and share your videos with the flrunners.com community.

Amanda Fox and Lindsey Rakosnik two of the top distance runners in the state of Illinois have signed to run for the Fighting Illini.

The Northern Illinois track & field and cross country teams announced the signing of nine athletes Wednesday, bringing the total for the Class of 2012 signees to 10 for the Huskies. (via www.niuhuskies.com)

Popular runner Andrew Kuebrich, alumni of Plano High School and Monmouth College, was killed in a biking accident in Taiwan on Wednesday. 

In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade  Company, in collaboration with ESPNHS, today announced Michael Clevenger of MacArthur HS as its 2011-12 Gatorade Illinois Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.  Clevenger is the first Gatorade Illinois Boys Cross Country  Runner of the Year to be chosen from MacArthur HS. 

 In its 27th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with ESPN HS, today announced Amanda Fox of Naperville Central High School as its 2011-12 Gatorade Illinois Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.  Fox is the first Gatorade Illinois Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year to be chosen from Naperville Central High School.  

Southeast High School girls track and field coach Tom McBride will be entering the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in a ceremony Saturday at the annual clinic at Oak Park-River Forest. (via http://www.sj-r.com)

When Kate (Reicher) DeProsperis ran cross country and track during her Lyons Township career, she enjoyed some success. She had no inkling whatsoever back then, however, that she would ever accomplish what she did Dec. 4 at the California International Marathon in Sacramento, Calif. (via lagrange.suntimes.com)

You do not have to invest an extraordinary amount of time to appreciate how talented a runner Garrett Sweatt is. (via STLtoday.com)

Kirby Hale’s favorite cross country courses are the ones where she rarely raced. (via http://www.sj-r.com)

MANLIUS - Two days, two Division I athletes. Bureau Valley senior Derrick Johnson made it official today, choosing Eastern Illinois University to continue his cross country and track careers. Classmate Kimi Sanden, as reported in today's BCR, committed to ISU on Tuesday. (via www.bcrnews.com)

MANLIUS — The Sandens may not get their White Christmas, but it’s certainly going to be a red one. (via www.bcrnews.com)

In this second episode of The Fit Runner our host is Tara Gidus, aka the "Diet Diva" and nutritionist to the Orlando Magic. She gives us some solid meal and hydration ideas for before, after, and during a run. This is the latest episode in our series on being a fit runner.

According to reports, when legendary Swedish miler Gundar Hagg was 18, he suffered a bout of pneumonia so bad he was told to avoid all future exercise.(via Running Times)

Former Olympic distance runner Craig Virgin, 56, has had to overcome a series of injuries and ailments. (via STLtoday.com)

Qualifying for the Foot Locker National Cross Country Meet was one of the greatest experiences I have yet to have in my running career. Ever since the first time I heard about this meet, I knew that I wanted to take part in it and compete with runners that have the same love of the sport as I do

Beecher High School standout Grant Nykaza talks about his experience at Foot Locker Nationals. The junior finished 33rd out of 40 of the nation's top runners.

The Foot Locker Championships invite the best high school cross-country runners in the nation to San Diego each year. This year, at San Diego's Balboa Park, four Illinois prepsters finished in the top 40 in their respective genders. (via chicagotribune.com)

Cheserek held off a late charge by Zeinasellassie after a back and forth battle nearly the whole way.  Seidel was able to make a break with 300 to go after Finn led the race for close to 2.5 miles.  Great races all around from all the athletes!  (Photo by Don Rich)

Palatine senior Anthony Gregorio talks about the experience of Nike Cross Nationals.

Two years ago, they’d wake up around 5 a.m. for morning runs with their team. They’d trek the roads along the south farms of Urbana and put on an orange and blue uniform. (via www.dailyillini.com)

The girls race at Foot Locker Nationals is a little more wide open than the boys race, but there are still a handful of girls at the top who will be difficult to beat.  The top 3 returners from last year have all had great seasons and have proven they can race well under the pressure at Balboa Park. 

The boys race at Foot Locker Nationals has the potential to be a very special event.  The course record of 14:36 at Balboa Park has been held by Reuben Reina since 1985.  This record is in serious jeopardy as both Edward Cheserek (NJ) and Futsum Zenasellassie (IN) have been consistently under 15 minutes this year.  Photos by Victah Sailor/Photorun.net.  Center Photo by Don Rich.

The Palatine XC Club boys capped a spectacular season by running to a fifth place finish at the Nike NXN National Championship meet in Portland, OR on December 3. (via TribLocal)

The Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) brings together the best teams in the country and pits them against each other on the most unique course available.  Portland Meadows will once again play host to the championship battle and the manufactured course that traverses the interior of a horse racing track will have all the traditional features of European style cross country racing; including plenty of mud.

Twenty-two of the nations' top teams and forty-five of the best individuals will make the trek to Portland, Oregon for Nike Cross Nationals. The teams are comprised of two winners from nine different regions and four “At-Large” berths, decided on by a team of Nike consultants. 

The scenery at Indian Rifle Park has had many different looks over the years. The 95-acre park, located in Kettering, Ohio, is the site of the town’s ever-changing recreation complex, one that now includes a senior center, an ice arena, three swimming pools and a walking/running track among other things. (Photo by Robert Hollen)

The Palatine XC Club boys took third place at the Nike Cross (NXN) Midwest Regional Championship in Terre Haute, Indiana at the Lavern Gibson Championship Cross Country course on November 13. (via TribLocal)

Craig Martin recaps the Girls Action from the NXN Midwest Region

Craig Martin recpas the action on the boys side from NXN Midwest. 

Futsum Zeinasellassie is in at NXN, now to qualify at Foot Locker before beginning the quest to win both titles. (Photo by Paul Everett)

 Barrington’s Erik Peterson and Ryan Burgoon each earned all-State honors by finishing among the top 25 in Saturday’s IHSA Class 3A State Meet, held at Detweiller Park in Peoria. (via barrington.suntimes.com)

Eleven runners make up this years' Morris Daily Herald All-Area cross country team, led by junior runner Joey Santillo of Minooka. Santillo becomes just the fourth All-State runner in the history of the Indians' storied program and will likely be back to lead this team again a year from now. (via morrisdailyherald.com)

An old adage, phrased several ways but all, nonetheless, the same, says it’s not the destination but the journey which matters most. If we love and enjoy how we get somewhere, then wherever we end up is not as important any longer. (via www.dailyillini.com)

The Illinois High School Association reversed itself on Monday and decided to award St. Charles East’s girls cross country team a trophy for its performance at Saturday’s Class 3A state meet in Peoria. (via couriernews.suntimes.com)

The Niles West boys started a new chapter in cross country history on Saturday. In their first trip to the State Meet as a squad, the Wolves took 19th at Detweiller Park, in Peoria. (via niles.suntimes.com)

Mt. Carmel sophomore Tyra Buss led the contingent from deep southern Illinois at the Illinois High School Association Class 1A girls' state cross country meet Saturday at Peoria's Detweiller Park. (via http://www.carmitimes.com)

PEORIA — It’s a measure of Neuqua Valley’s recent success in boys cross country that winning a trophy doesn’t trigger a big celebration anymore.(via napervillesun.suntimes.com)

Hampshire’s Cassie Kruse placed fourth at Saturday’s Class 2A state finals at Peoria’s Detweiller Park. (via couriernews.suntimes.com)

The goals are similar for every participant – run your best race against the best competition in the state.(via www.mchenrycountysports.com)

It’s been first place or nothing so far this postseason for Montini’s girls cross country team. (via http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/wooddale)

The York boys and girls cross country teams will compete at the Class 3A state meet in Peoria Saturday. (via Elmhurst Patch)

Four area cross country runners will have the opportunity to take their place among the best in Illinois at Saturday’s state meet in Peoria. In (via commercial-news.com)

The road to the Illinois state cross country championships is paved with … pasta? (via STLtoday.com)

The time Stephen Garrett clocked at Saturday’s Class 3A Lockport sectional cross country meet wasn’t his best of the season, but it was undoubtedly his best race of the season. (via http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/bolingbrook)  

BELVIDERE — Their pedigree has been pretty much set, both long-term and short-term. For the past two years, Belvidere North’s boys cross country team has dominated not only the area, but all of Illinois, capturing a pair of team Class 2A state titles. (via http://www.rrstar.com)  

The Chester High School Boys’ Cross Country Team, coached by Scott Haxton, Head Coach, and Assistant Coaches, Bob Koenegstein, Paul Stallman and Mary Stallman, qualified to advance to the 2011 State Cross Country Meet in Peoria this Saturday November 5. (via http://www.randolphcountyheraldtribune.com)  

Some maintain that records are made to be broken. Others are adamant that a changing of the guard is an unwelcome occurrence. Though he is quick to forge an opinion on most issues, on this one Craig Virgin sits squarely on the fence. (via STLtoday.com)

LEXINGTON — Ninety-three Pantagraph area high school runners have qualified for Saturday’s state cross country meet at Peoria’s Detweiller Park. (via pantagraph.com)  

The postseason is the most relaxing time of the cross country season for Webber’s Mallory Bergbower. (via register-news.com)

Two East Peoria runners with vast experience extended their seasons into November. Seniors Emma Preston and Kevin Eades earned berths in the Illinois High School Association Class 2A cross country state final. (via http://www.eastpeoriatimescourier.com)  

Fort Bluff Camp is known for championship tournaments with many of the fall sports, but November 12th will mark the first ever NACA Cross Country Championship meet.

EDWARDSVILLE -- With three straight top 10 finishes at the Class 1A State Cross Country Meet, the Freeburg Midgets have been knocking on the door in their quest for a trophy.On Saturday at the Metro East Lutheran Sectional, the Midgets showed they might be ready to kick that door down. (via bnd.com)

EDWARDSVILLE - Tori Fulgham pointed the Roxana High girls cross country team in the right direction Saturday and the Shells followed her path. (via The Telegraph)

BELVIDERE – Sami Staples runs fast and is quick at picking things up, which is a potent combination.(via www.mchenrycountysports.com)

Cross country runners from six area schools will compete in sectional meets today for the opportunity to advance to the state meet next Saturday in Peoria. The Commercial-NewsSat Oct 29, 2011, 01:02 AM CDT(via commercial-news.com)

Beware the exercise ball. Had Brooke Wolfe heeded that simple piece of advice last March, the last 7 ½ months would have gone much smoother.  (via WGN)

A freshman cross country runner at Lincoln-Way East was fatally struck by a car last month while crossing a street during a team practice in the forest preserves. The tragedy has caused some Southland schools to rethink their practice routines. (via southtownstar.suntimes.com)

For the past three years, picturesque Detweiller Park in Peoria has been like a home away from home for Freeburg twin sisters Caitlin and Kristen Busch. (via www.bnd.com)

A dozen East Peoria cross country members advanced to the Class 2A Normal West Sectional. (via http://www.eastpeoriatimescourier.com)  

Both Morton cross country teams will return to Normal this week.   (via http://www.mortontimesnews.com)  

Mt. SAC was this past weekend and Sarah Baxter (Simi Valley CA) proved herself in a big way, entering the rankings at #12 after winning the Team Sweeps race with a time of 16:59, the fastest on the day.  Erin Finn (West Bloomfield MI) ran an impressive 17:43 to win by a huge margin at her league meet.  Kelsey Braithwaite (Box Elder UT) moved up to #17 after winning a state title and breaking a 12 year old record with a time of 17:36.4.  Full updates on each athletes recent accomplishments are below.  Mary Cain (Bronxville NY) moved to #19 with her top-10 all-time finish at Bowdoin Park with a 18:05.96 clocking.  And Abbey Leonardi (Kennebunk ME) ran 18:05.59 to set the course record at her Regional meet despite muddy conditions, moving up one spot to #9.  Be sure to click on each athletes name to see times, articles, photos and interviews of each athlete if available.

York coach Joe Newton didn't let on that his team ran a championship-caliber race at Saturday afternoon's West Suburban Silver meet at Lyons in Western Springs. When congratulated for winning the (via Chicago Tribune)

An interview with Meghan Frigo, Illini cross country star. We discuss trees, Irwin Academic center, and what it's like to be a Fighting Illini. (via Writing Illini)

Head coach Matt Hampleman's FCHS Girls Cross Country program took huge strides both literally and figuratively Saturday at the Harrisburg Regional on the campus of Southeastern Illinois College. (via http://www.dailyamericannews.com)  

Eight ILS Runners Named 1st Team All-American Perfect weather conditions greeted runners from Immanuel Lutheran School, Palatine, as both the girls’ and boys’ cross country teams traveled to Concordia University-Wisconsin, in Mequon, Wis., to defend their 2010 Lutheran Sports Association national titles... (via TribLocal)

Rich East Cross Country runners LaRon Rogers, Leon Heard and Devontae Boman have qualified for Saturday's Class 2A Sectional Boys Cross Country Meet which will be run at Maxwell Park in Normall, Illinois. Janiah Jones also qualified for the Class 2A Sectional Girls Cross Country Race which will also be run on Saturday.  (via www.enewspf.com)

O'Fallon sophomore Sydney Neal was nowhere to be found on the Panthers' cross country depth chart when the 2011 season began. (via www.bnd.com)

It was all about Palatine on Saturday at Deer Grove East Forest Preserve. Pirates junior Tess Wasowicz won the Class 3A Palatine Regional championship in a time of 17 minutes, 38 seconds, outracing teammate and second-place finisher Jessica Lincoln by 14 seconds. (via Chicago Tribune)

Garrett Sweatt’s goal is to win the IHSA boys cross country championship next month in Peoria. The talented Edwardsville High senior is two steps away from doing it. (via the Telegraph)

Beecher's Grant Nykaza took first place with a time of 14 minutes, 55 seconds and the defending state champs won the team title at the Class 1A Bishop McNamara Regional at Kankakee Community College on Saturday with 44 points. (via nwitimes.com)  

Amanda Fox ran the fastest 3-mile time in Illinois this season Saturday at the DuPage Valley Conference meet. There is more bad news for competitors who hope to defeat her for the state title in 3A. (via Chicago Tribune)

After capping one of the most dominant seasons in metro-east cross country history with a fifth-place finish in the Class 3A state meet at Peoria's Detweiller Park in 2010, the O'Fallon Panthers want more. (via www.bnd.com)