Willow Springs High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Era 1994-1999: One of the most impressive stretches in state cross country history could be found in Howell County, in the southwest Missouri community of Willow Springs. There, the Marvin Hatley-coached Bears & Lady Bears Cross Country teams of 1994-1999 fielded highly competitive runners. They were assigned to Class 3 the first two years and then Class 1-2 in the subsequent seasons. Overall, they combined for nine Top 12 finishes at the state meet, including three state championships. The boys won state in 1997 and 1998, after earning state runner-up honors in 1996. They were 11th in 1994 and fifth in 1994. Scott Smith won individual state honors in 1997 and 1998. The Bears also won districts in four of those six seasons. On the girls side, the 1996 team won it all – the first state championship of any kind in school history – and later placed third in 1998 and fifth in 1999. All members of the teams will receive a personalized plaque and also will be invited on stage
