The Russellville Golden Tigers are putting in the work necessary to excel and are ready to run for success during the upcoming the 2021 boys’ and girls’ cross-country season. RHS varsity head coach Larsen Plyler will be in his second year leading the program, and he is being assisted by Shawn Greenhill.

Plyler said the team has been working hard in the offseason to prepare for the fall meets.

“Summer prep has been great,” Plyler said. The coach said a couple of boys have logged more than 300 miles over the course of the summer.

Top returning runners for the boys will be Eli Cooper and Xander Greenhill. Maheida Figueroa was a state qualifier this past year, and she returns this season as the top RHS girl cross-country runner.

Plyler said he also expects Oscar Mateo and Connor McFall to be big contributors for the boys team.

Russellville will compete in Class 5A Section 4 this season. Ardmore, Brewer, Douglas, East Limestone, Fairview, Guntersville, Lawrence County, Lee-Huntsville, Mae Jemison, St. John Paul II and West Point join RHS in the section.

The 2021 state meet is scheduled for Nov. 6 at Oakville Indian Mounds Park and Museum.

“We’d like to have a couple of state qualifiers this year,” Plyler said. “Almost everyone will be coming back next year too, so we’re using this as a stepping stone.”

Russellville’s first race will be Aug. 28 at McFarland Park in Florence.