The University of Illinois Springfield cross country teams are gearing up to host the Hy-Vee Prairie Stars Invitational on Friday, Sept. 6 The women's 5K race will kick off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's 7K race at 6:15 p.m. on the UIS Cross Country Course.

The event, held on the UIS Cross Country Course, will feature competitive races for both men's and women's teams. The UIS men's and women's cross country teams swept the meet at the start of the 2023 season, and look to do so again. 

The women's team, picked sixth in the GLVC preseason poll, returns much of its roster while welcoming six freshmen. On the men's side, the Prairie Stars were voted second in the GLVC preseason poll, trailing only the reigning conference champion Lewis Flyers. The men's team also secured the No. 5 spot in this week's USTFCCCA regional rankings. Key returners include 2023 All-GLVC selections Briar Nevills and Ryan Jones, alongside 15 new additions to the roster.

As the Prairie Stars look to build early momentum, they aim to put on a strong performance on their home course. UIS aims to make a mark against conference competitors who will return to the UIS Cross Country Course for the league's championship meet on Saturday, Oct. 26.