JOURNAL SPORTS

NATCHITOCHES –- Teams from Parkway and Byrd should be among the stronger entries today as high schools from across the state compete in the Ochsner Health LHSAA State Cross Country Championships hosted by Northwestern State.

The first race begins at 9 a.m. with the Division V girls. Racing continues every 45 minutes until the last one starts with Division I boys at 3:45.

The three-mile course begins outside the NSU soccer complex along Tarleton Drive and will conclude inside the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex.

Runners from Loyola and Benton should also figure among faster competitors in their races.

A total of 327 schools have qualified to compete in the meet. Many arrived Sunday to walk the course and enjoy the Christmas lights downtown, and visit the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Race starting times:  Division V girls, 9 a.m; Division IV girls, 9:45; Division III girls, 10:30; Division V boys, 11:15; Division IV boys, noon; Division III boys, 12:45; Division II girls, 1:30; Division I girls, 2:15; Division II boys, 3 o’clock; and Division I boys, 3:45.

Runners with the top 25 times for the day for boys and girls, regardless of division, will be awarded All-State honors.

Live results will be available, provided by MileSplit Louisiana.