The unofficial kickoff to the southeast Iowa cross country season is here as Iowa Mennonite School hosts their early bird meet Tuesday.

IMS is coming off of a season that saw senior Levi Geyer lead the way. Geyer finished his cross country career earning a medal at the state meet in Fort Dodge. Returning for IMS are Jacob Boller, Micah Miller, Toby Chen, Jesse Slater, Aaron Hershberger, John Hughes and Gibson Lowenberg.

Top returner for the IMS girls is Sarena Gerber who was 29th individually at the conference meet and 47th at the state qualifier a year ago. Joining Gerber as returners are Rachel Geyer, Mackenzie Gutierrez and Ainsley Shaw. This week, IMS head coach Marty Gingerich talked about what has him most excited about this year’s team. “I think the numbers have me most excited, and the enthusiasm. We have a strong group of freshmen coming in with two boys and four girls. They are all excited and willing to do whatever it takes.”

Action begins tonight at 5p.m. on the campus of Iowa Mennonite School.