Cross country teams place third at state for first time ever
Both boys and girls cross country teams finish off their seasons with a new record
Both cross country state teams set a new school record when both placed third in the State 5A Cross Country Championships at Rim Rock Farm on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Head coach Mark Chipman predicted that the boys would place high.
“Going into it I thought we had a good chance at getting third if we ran well,” Chipman said. “They ended up doing that and ran probably their best race of the year, getting third place by six points.”
However, the girls team’s result was unexpected.
“[The girls placing third] was a bit of a surprise because during the race I didn’t think we were in third, but after the race it turned out we were in third by two points,” Chipman said.
Placing third means a lot to the girls team according to sophomore Amber Akin, who placed ninth overall and was the first Mill Valley runner to cross the finish line.
“[I’m] psyched that we got third,” Akin said. “That was our goal originally so I’m glad we got third. We were only two points away from fourth so everyone contributed to our result. It’s an awesome feeling.”
Akin also said that being on the state team was a good experience.
“It’s awesome to be a part of the team that made school history,” Akin said. “I’m proud of all my teammates because we all did it together.”
Akin faced some difficulties during the race, but continued to run.
“We were a mile in and I tried to get over into a new position and this girl stepped on my shoe,” Akin said. “We have spikes on our shoes … so my foot got hit with the spikes. When I got to the hill [in the course] it was half-on half-off and it fell off. I debated whether I should put it back on or keep going but I kept going.”
The boys team was undefeated for seven regular season meets, won the Kaw Valley League, was second in regionals and third in state. The girls team also won the KVL, placed second in regionals and third in state.
“It was fantastic,” Chipman said. “[It was] the best season ever.
The cross country state teams included:
Boys: freshman Max Jones, sophomore Derek Meeks, juniors Kurt Loevenstein and Callahan Eckhardt and seniors CJ Meeks, Graham Wilson and Connor Armstrong
Girls: sophomores Ellie Wilson, Kennedy Hoffman, Ally Henderson and Akin, juniors Margo Wieschhaus and Hollis Tharp and senior Mariah Kalma
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