CHANUTE Tears streamed the cheeks of Iola Highs girls cross country team after they heard the announcement they were advancing to state. It was a moment of relief as much as joy. The Fillies have been on the short end of the stick in their previous two attempts to qualify as a team for the state competition.
Minutes later, the boys received the same message they would be on their way to state for the second consecutive year.
The Fillies finished third overall at the region meet, behind Fort Scott and Paola. Meanwhile, the boys were crowned regional runners-up, finishing behind Girard.
Each Filly posted her best time of the season on Saturday. Rachel Bycroft finished ninth with a time of 21:32 as Iolas number-one runner. Following Bycroft was Josie Plumlee in 11th (21.53), Kelsey Morrison 21st (22:57), Elanie Sturgeon 22nd (22:58), Averie Sharon 25th (23:11), and Audrey Coltrane 36th (24:17).
Last season, the Fillies were just two points shy of advancing through the regional meet, and two years prior, only one point separated them from state. Three seasons ago, Iola placed fourth at the regional meet, and Morrison advanced to state as an individual. Advancing to state is a privilege not to be taken for granted.
Everyone was pretty close, and two girls from the same team were in front of me. I knew that we were all running pretty good, but there was still doubt in my mind, said senior Rachel Bycroft. It was special, we deserve it, and Im glad all of us are going. Im excited for one last race for Iola High School, and one final race with my girls.
The Mustangs were led by junior Jack Adams, who earned bronze individually with a time of 17:14. Following Adams was Riley Jay in 13th, completing the course in 17:55. The key storyline for Iola was the performances of freshmen Kaster Trabuc and Jesse Taylor. Trabuc finished 16th (18:33), and Taylor made up positions for Elijah Fawson by placing 19th (18:37). Also representing the blue and gold were Nathan Louk in 20th (18:45), Fawson 23rd (18:57), and Brett Morrison 31st (19:27).
Although the boys have been in this position before, they are glad to be on their way to state once more.
Im really surprised we are heading back to state because we lost four of our top seven runners after last season, Adams said. We have all come together as a team, and have performed really well, so it feels nice to know our efforts have paid off.
The 4A State cross country meet will be Saturday in Wamego.
Humboldt
Iola was not the only Allen County high school to reach levels of success at their regional meet. The Lady Cubs finished third to punch their ticket to the state meet. The boys placed seventh, therefore will not be going to state as a team, but sophomore Drew Wilhite placed sixth to advance as an individual.
Initially we were fourth, but upon further checking one school, only four runners scored as a team, head coach Eric Carlson said. When they were pulled out, that left us tied with Burlington, and we won the tie-breaker. I was shocked, confused, and elated at the same time. Some of our girls were crying because their season was over. Their tears of sadness quickly became tears of joy.
Lulu Melendez posted a personal best and school record for the third straight week. Melendez placed 10th overall, and finished with a time of 22:16.41. Other Lady Cubs were Melina Hess 20th (23:46.50), Zoey Wilson 21st (23:52.44), Leah Mueller 25th (24:23.94), Briana Baker 39th (25:20.21), Taylor Korte 48th (26:04.81), and Peyten Galloway 61st (27:34.12).
On the boys side, Wilhite placed 6th, earning a time of 17:59.31. Following Wilhite were Luke Yokum in 16th (18:56.38), Javyn Hess 40th (20:02.66), Sam Neely 52nd (20:51.90), Peyton Wallace 54th (20:54.15), Thane Meadows 58th (21:20.41), and Cooper Woods 80th (24:19.28).
