Cross country participation is growing at Hardin-Central. As of last week, Bulldogs coach Jenni Scott reported there were 10 total runners for grades 7-12 – five high schoolers and five in junior high. In 2022, Scott’s first season as Hardin-Central coach, there were four runners listed in the Richmond News’ preview story, including only one high school runner. “It is nice have new faces to the program to hopefully continue and grow,” Scott stated Aug. 25 via email. Some of the newcomers, however, were late to begin practicing, Scott acknowledged. That will affect their availability to run, given that Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) regulations require that students participate in 14 practices before they’re eligible to compete in MSHAAsanctioned events, she stated. The first chance Scott’s eligible athletes had to compete was Tuesday at a meet on the Salisbury Municipal Golf Course, hosted by Salisbury High School. She was expecting the Bulldogs to …