ELDORA – There will be no Montezuma runner competing in the state cross country meet this year.
But Ellen Cook came oh, so close.
Cook led the Montezuma entourage at the state qualifier meet by placing 12th out of 75 runners.
In order to qualify, a runner had to be one of the seven members of the top two state qualifying teams, or a top-10 finisher in the race if qualifying as an individual.
As it was, Cook missed state by just one place finish.
The qualifier was run at a very hilly Pine Lakes Golf Club just outside Edora.
The Bravettes had a strong meet and placed fourth out of the seven teams that had full squads.
The Braves were 10th out of 14 scoring squads, with Jayden Ross leading the way by placing 38th out of 101 runners.
Teams are limited to seven entries at the qualifying meet. Because of that, Montezuma fans will note that some familiar names are missing from the lists below.
Haileah Eichenberger and Faith Ferry did not run in their usual eighth and ninth positions. Also, Claire Erselius, who has been healing from a summer injury, was not able to compete, although she spent a lot of time trying to rehab.
For the boys, Carter McKee came down with an illness and had to see his season end at last week’s conference meet.
See the adjacent story by Coach Kevin Gartman, who penned some thoughts about this meet and the season in general.
Class 1A XC state qualifier
at Pine Lake GC, Eldora
Varsity Girls
Montezuma placed 7th out of 7 scoring teams.
Montezuma places, times – 12, Ellen Cook, 23:37. 34, Vivian Cook, 26:02. 36, Camryn Brennan, 26:06. 38, Alivia Cline, 26:15. 41, Lydia Singleton, 26:24. 48, Makenna Johannes, 26:52. 53, Ashlee Eilander, 27:48. There was a total of 75 runners.
Varsity Boys
Montezuma placed 10th out of 14 scoring teams.
Montezuma places, times – 38, Jayden Ross, 21:00. 47, Jack Erselius, 21:21. 50, Jusiah Wetering, 21:40. 58, Cael Cheney, 22:08. 69, Bryson Stockman, 22:53. 71, Kohen Holland, 23:05. 74, Linkyn Bru, 23:15. There was a total of 75 runners.
