As the school day ends and most students head home, the members of Herrin Junior High’s cross country team lace up their running shoes. For eighth graders Jacob Jolliff and Logan Barlage, running isn’t just about competition—it’s about dedication, teamwork, and the steady encouragement of their coach, Steve Sgutt.

Sgutt, who also serves as the junior high athletic director and teaches seventh-grade math, is a steady presence on the trails and fields. Rather than standing on the sidelines with a stopwatch, he often runs alongside his athletes. “That’s really nice,” Jacob said. “Instead of just waiting for us, he’s out there with us.” Logan agreed, adding that Sgutt balances seriousness with encouragement. “He pushes us to work hard, but it’s never more than we can handle. He sacrifices a lot of time to be with our team, and it shows.”

For Jacob, cross country has been part of his life for four years. He also runs track and plays basketball, but distance events are where he feels most at home. Logan’s path was a little different. She tried softball, but her talent in running—and her love of it—pulled her toward cross country. “I thought I’d have more fun in a sport I was better at,” she said. “I get more chances to succeed here.” Logan is also a competitive swimmer with the Saluki Swim Club at SIU, where her specialty is the breaststroke.

Cross country is unlike any other sport. Runners tackle courses carved through fields, trails, and wooded paths, often on uneven ground that tests both physical stamina and mental grit. The typical junior high race is about 1.86 miles, a distance Jacob covers in just under 11 minutes, with Logan not far behind in the low 12s. Courses vary widely—sometimes flat and fast, sometimes hilly and punishing.

Behind those race times are countless hours of preparation. Summer training means running three to five times a week, sometimes at Herrin Park, sometimes looping back roads to the sports complex, or circling the track. During the school year, the team even gathers for 6 a.m. practices. “We’d run until about 6:45, then go home, change, and come back for school,” Jacob explained. Logan added that while those early mornings were tough, they built discipline and camaraderie.

The sacrifices extend beyond waking up early. Athletes must keep their grades up, as failing a class makes them ineligible for a week of competition. They also learn accountability—missing practice without a valid reason isn’t an option. Yet despite the challenges, the team has grown to more than 30 members. “Even if you’re new, you can come out and join us,” Logan said. “It’s really good exercise, and you’ll be surprised how much you improve.” Jacob agreed. “It’s fun. You get better, and you’re surrounded by good coaches and good kids.” Sgutt said. “We don’t cut kids.

Team spirit is at the heart of Herrin’s cross country culture. Logan recalled a recent meet when a teammate had a disappointing performance. Instead of criticism, the group surrounded her with encouragement, reminding her that one off day doesn’t define a season. Jacob echoed the same sentiment: “Teammates are really encouraging. They help you get out of your head and move on to the next race.” That support shows up on bus rides too, where the team alternates between joking, singing, or simply napping before and after meets.

All of this work is paying off. The boys’ team has not lost a meet this season and is currently ranked fourth in the state. The girls’ team hasn’t cracked the state top 25 yet, but their improvement is obvious. At a recent meet in Marion, Herrin placed four girls in the top tier of runners, a sign of a bright future ahead. “Our team has gotten a lot better throughout the season,” Logan said. “You can see the improvement.”

Sgutt tracks progress carefully. After each meet, results are entered into a shared Google sheet so runners can monitor their growth across the season—and even compare their times to past years. That recordkeeping helps the athletes set goals, learn from setbacks, and celebrate milestones.

As the school day ends and most students head home, the members of Herrin Junior High’s cross country team lace up their running shoes. For eighth graders Jacc, running isn’t just about competition—it’s about dedication, teamwork, and the steady encouragement of their coach, Steve Sgutt.ships, and the knowledge that discipline and teamwork can carry them farther than they ever imagined.c