If you have driven around the Troy area after school on a weekday, chances are you have seen the Charles Henderson High School cross country team at practice.

On a typical week, the team will run anywhere from 15 to 25 miles a week. Most of this running takes place around the high school, Troy University, and downtown Troy.

Head coach Steve Haug said the team has had less participation than in years past. “We have a very small crew,” Haug said. “But everyone is working hard on getting better.”

In the next two weeks, the Trojans will be looking to improve their 5k times for the sectional meet in Auburn on Nov. 2 where they will compete against UMS-Wright, LAMP, Booker T. Washington, St. James, Beauregard, Tallassee and Dadeville.

The top three teams from the meet will advance to the state finals. The top six runners not on one of the top three teams will also advance.

Haug said his main goal for the sectional race is to see improvement from the team. “I’m hoping that everyone will improve their times,” Haug said. “It’s very difficult to win when we go up against the teams we play.”

Lakin Turner was to only Trojan to qualify for the state meet last year. She is also the only girl running in the meet this year. She says she has enjoyed the season so far. “The season has been good,” Turner said. “We’ve all been working hard. Everyone has improved their times.”

Turner also said she would like to make the state meet again. “The time I had on Saturday wouldn’t be good enough to get in, but that made me want it a lot more,” Turner said. “I’ve been working hard this week.”

Taylor Montgomery has been pacing the way for the boys’ cross country team this year. He said he enjoys running because it gives him a challenge to overcome. “I like pushing myself everyday,” Montgomery said. “I find enjoyment in running and pushing my limits.”

Montgomery said that, while he would enjoy qualifying for the state meet, that has not been his focus. “I’d love to qualify, but that hasn’t been my focus this season,” Montgomery said. “To get there would be a great accomplishment.”

The Trojans will be running this Thursday in a meet at Eufaula. They follow that meet up with the Trojan Invitational, which they host at the Sportsplex at 9 a.m. on Saturday.