Keiffer Sexton (red) runs along side Columbus graduate Josh Keller during last year’s Southeast Iowa Super Conference meet. Photo by KCII Sports Nate Gonner.

A recent Highland graduate is returning to the region this weekend for a collegiate cross country meet. Keiffer Sexton is three races into his freshman season for the Western Illinois University Leathernecks. The Leathernecks’ cross country teams are coming to Iowa City Saturday for the running of the Regional Preview meet hosted by the University of Iowa.

Sexton, a 2016 Highland graduate, is running six-kilometer races now compared to 5k events in high school. His best finish so far this season was at the Western Illinois University Early Bird Invitational on September 2. He placed 23rd overall, clocking his race in at 20:16.09.

The first race of the Regional Preview meet will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City.