On Oct. 20, the varsity girls and boys cross country teams competed at the state meet in Kearney, Neb. The girls took an impressive second place finish, the best in school history, and the boys fought hard and placed eighth.

The runners representing the boys were Jake Sullivan (12), Jack Sinnott (12), Ryker Pithan (12), Jonah Santos (10), Conner Lindquist (12), and Noah Lange (10). The girls team comprised of Ella Ford (11), Leah Robinson (9), Kailey O’Brien (11), Paityn Christoffels (10), Avery Melendrez (11), and Anna Ripley (11). 

“The week before was more mental training than physical and getting the athletes to focus on themselves rather than what the other teams were doing,” head cross country coach Jordan Fuglestad said. 

Ford placed second individually in the girls race, beating some competitors for the first time and  contributing to the team runner up placement. The girls’ final point score was 41, losing only to three-time state champions, Norris High School. 

“The results matter but what’s more important is having fun with your friends and working for your team and not just yourself,” Ford said.