It’s state qualifying week for high school cross country and the Braves and Bravettes have been getting ready.
This year, Montezuma is running at Kickers Park in Iowa City, a course they’ve run on previously this season.
The qualifier starts with the girls at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20.
A total of 19 teams will be there.
In order to qualify out of Class 1A, a team has to place first or second. Also, the top 10 individuals advance.
Last year, Bravettes Ellen Cook and Alivia Cline advanced. Both have been fighting injuries this season.
A key to doing well as a team is packing, something both the girls and boys teams from Montezuma have done well all season.
The state meet will be on Friday, Oct. 28, at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge.
Our thanks to Al Rabenold for furnishing identifications for the Montezuma cross country family photo.
Second row: Lydia Singleton, Claire Erselius, Camryn Brennan, Madison Johannes, Mia Boulton, Ellen Cook, Makenna Johannes.
Third row: Alivia Cline, Ashlee Eilander, Faith Ferry, Haileah Eichenberger.
Back row: Coach Kevin Gartman, Jack Erselius, Jusiah Wetering, Jayden Ross, Kohen Holland, Colton Benson, Gavin Strong, Brydon Stockman, Carter McKee, Coach Liz Van Gorp.