Girls Cross Country Finishes as State Runner-up
The Lake County High School’s Cross Country Girls team traveled to the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado to compete in the 46th annual Girls CHSAA Cross Country State Championships. The course winds its way around the event center, crosses over to trails in Bear Creek Park, before heading back to a finish in the equestrian arena. The day was cold and crisp with the promise of snow.
The Lady Panthers were the two-time defending champions. Lake County came into the race with a dominating victory at Regionals.
The race started out quick with a fast pack at the front. Senior Keira King ran well in that pack and hung tough for a 6th place finish in 20 minutes 12 seconds. Keira earned a first team all-State position. Ella Bullock, a junior, was right behind from the start keeping a strong pace. Ella ran her way onto the podium with a 9th place finish in 20:19.
Junior Indigo Olsen and senior Brynna Lenhard finished the scoring for Lake County. Indigo was consistent, running near the top 20 all race and finishing in 18th place in 20:59.2. Brynna took a more conservative approach and moved up through the field, she finished in 19th place in 20:59.7.
The State Championships are limited to teams of 6 runners. Lake County’s State team was rounded out with Seniors Violet Hill and Clara Kirr. Both of these racers showed how strong and tough they are placing 28th and 29th, in times of 21:27 and 21:28. Clara was the fastest 6th runner on the day, demonstrating the depth of the Lake County team.
The team battle was tight this year, with the last two years runners’ up, Heritage Christian Academy, returning a strong squad. In the end, both teams showed why they have been 1-2 the last two years with Heritage Christian Academy taking the hard-fought victory with 37 points to Lake County’s 47. Congratulations to everyone who competed!
