The Rapid City Journal's Best of the West girls cross country team features no seniors and two eighth-graders. But these runners are far from inexperienced. Several of the runners are not strangers to top finishes.

Nine of the 10 runners were Best of the West or honorable mention selections last season.

Douglas' Bailey Eich, who has won the Black Hills Conference meet for two consecutive years, has become a two-time first teamer. Also a two-time first-team selection is Todd County's Lottie Grimshaw, a state champion as an eighth-grader in 2008 and a runner-up this fall.

Sturgis' Madeleine Takahashi is a returning Best of the West selection after winning the state Class AA championship this season. Rapid City Stevens' Sarah Coomes jumped from the second team in 2008 to the first team in 2009.

There are several newcomers to the team who may see their names on future Best of the West squads as well.

Rapid City Stevens eighth-grader Tamara Gorman made the first team this fall after finishing sixth at the state Class AA meet. Another eighth-grader, Red Cloud's Christi Sioux Bob, finished 10th at the state Class A meet and made the second team.

Douglas junior Alex Suhr, Kadoka Area sophomore Tia Carlson and Cheyenne-Eagle Butte junior Ashley Iron Moccasin were Best of the West honorable mention selections last season. Lydia Eagle, who finished second in Class B, made the second team.