Crest High School’s girls cross country team failed to reach the podium at Saturday’s state meet.
For the last four years the team has qualified for state.
This year, they were determined to settle for nothing less than first.
“We got second by a pretty significant amount last year, reminding us we need to stay focused for this year,” said senior Peyton Schmidt in the run-up to the meet.
“I’ve been working up to this. Once I get up there, I’ll want to put up my best time for my last run,” said Schmidt.
And she did.
Schmidt’s time for the 3.1-mile race at the Wamego golf course was 21 minutes, 14.65 seconds, good enough for 14th among the other 1A athletes. Schmidt shaved 3 seconds off her 2024 time, earning her a medal, for which the top 20 positions qualify.
Even so, she was disappointed.
“I’m not usually this far back, which sounds kind of like I’m bragging,” she said after Saturday’s race. Last year she placed 7th.
As a team, the Lady Lancers came in a very respectable fourth with seniors Josie Walter and Aubrey Allen and junior Kallie Robb rounding out the team.
Two things stand out in the race’s aftermath.
Nothing stays the same. From one year to the next, the competition is a clean slate as different athletes join the ranks. Some years, the crop is simply stronger and faster.
Schmidt recognized that.
But how she reacted speaks volumes.
“Good for them,” she said. “I’m proud of everyone who finished ahead of me.”
Schmidt’s gracious response reflects a maturity beyond her years and is likely a precursor as to how she’ll face other endeavors.
