HS Cross Country State Qualifiers.  Photo by Mr. Bressler

Girls’ Results

**Bella B. - 6th place - 22:19 STATE QUALIFIER

Boys’ Results-

**Carter C. - 10th place - 18:38 STATE QUALIFIER

Adam V. - 55th place - 22:20

Bryson B. - 62nd place - 23:36

Colton S. - 74th place - 28:38

** medalist ***personal best * season best


TWO TO STATE! This was a good day to run a race!

Bella ran at 11:20. She had a great start, running with the lead group for the first 400 m and settling in to a nice pace. Heidi from Marion took a commanding lead and a pack of 6, including Bella, fell in behind her. Bella ran a smart race. She stayed with the pack and pushed through an achy ankle (she twisted it at league on this course last week.) There is a lot of time to think during a 5k, and it is easy to beat yourself with negative thoughts but she was able to focus on what needed to be done and run a competitive, smart race. She will be exciting to watch run at Wamego- she has raced against several of the girls who are predicted to medal and she is ready.

The boys ran at noon. Carter has been focused on finishing in the top ten. He had the start he needed and found his pace, staying competitive throughout the race. Nicholas from Inman, who has logged the fastest 2A time in the state, pulled ahead with Asher, from Remington. We saw both these runners at league last week, so Carter has been running with some of the best all year. He finished comfortably in 10th, beating 11th by 15 seconds. Bryson finished his cross country career with a solid race. He showed a competitive side that we don’t often see from him, fighting hard and keeping a strong, steady pace. Bryson has dedicated six years to the Runnin’ Bears and I am grateful to be able to coach him for the last two. Adam and Colton fought through the tough Buhler course. I’m excited to see them strengthen as runners over the next year.

State Schedule: Bella, Carter, and I will leave the school on Friday at 1:00pm. Bella runs at 11:10 Saturday morning and Carter runs at 12:55. The state meet is amazing to watch and the Wamego Country Club is a gorgeous course; perfect for spectators who can (relatively) easily watch a majority of the race.