With five returning runners, the Salem boys cross country team is looking to improve on last year's fifth place finish in the River Ridge District in 2010.

Returning runners for the Spartans include sophomores Matt West and Sam Sheffield, juniors John Sheffield and Michael Lefew, along with senior Tri Nguyen.

First-year runners include senior Michael Johnson, sophomore Barkari Brown and freshmen Ryan Liuey, Richard Nielson, James Scott and Colin Wall.

Salem opens its 2010 season this Saturday in the Clash of the Titans at Hidden Valley. The race starts at 8:30 a.m.