State was a dry, fast course compared to the slop that was Nike Cross South Regionals at the Woodlands this Saturday. Nevertheless, LA runners have slowly been creeping up in the standings at this meet despite the obvious terrible timing from a Monday/Tuesday (and this year Wednesday) state meet. This year marks one of the best years for LA athletes despite having several major names sit out.
In the girls championship race Olivia Murphy (17th) represented the state in admirable fashion by placing third team All-Region and was only 11 spots outside of qualifying for the NXN Championship in Portland in two weeks.
Other LA girls to compete in the championship race include: Sara Funderburk (40th), Alicia Stamey (86th), Alexa Breaux (100th), Emily Doyle (115th), Jennifer Bennett (127th), Cassidy Cummings (178th), Gabbi Chauvin (181st), Claire Andries (182nd), Leanne Livingston (187th), Lauren Hendry (209th), Elise Bordlee (212th), Mackenzie Langen (221st), Celeste Cordova (229th), Rylie McConnel (241st), Carly Hanson (246th), Lindsey Hutchinson (248th). Girls from SJA represented their team as the SJA Redstickers and those from Parkway represented their team as Panther XC.
In the boys championship race, only a few runners made the trek but for at least one it was well worth it. Devyn Keith of River Ridge (Southern Athletics) made his way to runner-up after being in 4th place much of the race. As evidenced by the cover photo, it was quite messy. Keith earned a shot at the national championship in Portland in two weeks.
Other LA boys to compete in the championship race include: Jacob Hammons (126th), Zachery Barthel (204th), Ethan Weaver (205th), Denton Young (206th).
Don't worry about any of the times as they wouldn't have even placed top 10 in any local races. Also, to illustrate how much a race can murk up the next race on a muddy course, the winning boy in the Championship would have only placed 8th in the open race!
If you know of a LA runner not listed here, please let me know! I want to make sure everyone gets their recognition!