By Mallory Kroencke

Reporter

The girls cross-country team competed at state November 7th and the team finished fifth overall.  Sophomore Tori Findley finished third and earned All-State honors.

“It felt really good. I was hoping to place in the top three, so I wasn’t too shocked, just relieved,” Findley said.

Sophomore Danielle Hotalling finished 10^th and also earned All-State honors. “It felt great being able to make all state, because our team has worked so hard and it feels great to see all our hard work be paid off,” Hotalling said.

Ryan Unruh, girl’s cross-country coach, was happy with how the girls raced.

“The race was bittersweet. We were 8 points away from getting fourth place as a team. The girls couldn’t have run any better, ” Unruh said.

State was held in Jefferson City. The All-State girls talked about how the course was difficult.

“Last mile was the hardest, because it was very hilly and my legs got super tired, but I kept pushing through for my team.”  Hotalling said.

Findley had the same view on the trail.

“Trying to get up the last two hills was the worst part. I struggled trying to stay on pace,” Findley said.

They had positive things to say about state as well. Findley loved the atmosphere of state.

“I loved the atmosphere and seeing all the teams getting excited for each other,” Findley said.

Hotalling was happy about how the team did overall.

“I enjoyed being able to come and race with my team. It was inspiring seeing the best runners in the state and the how big a crowd of them there were.” Hotalling said.

State was a great experience for the girls as their season has concluded. They will never forget state 2015. Findley is happy about her placing this year, but is excited to see what there is to offer next year.

“I raced in the front with the top two runners, which were seniors, so they will be gone next year so that helps my confidence a little bit,” Findley said.

Hotalling ended her season very well also.

“The competition was hard. For a while I was struggling to keep up in the end I was able to compete with them and it was an honor to run with them and my team,” Hotalling said.

Unruh was happy with their season and watching the girls compete.

“There was good competition, with the best runners even in the nation, but I loved seeing the team compete, and come together. It’s just a fun team to be around,” Unruh said.