Chelsea Strutton

Writer

Running their final mile of the season, the MHS Cross Country teams traveled to Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Saturday, Oct. 26 to compete in the 2019-20 Cross Country State Championships.

Both the boys and girls team participated, and multiple MHS students left the course with a medal celebrating their accomplishments.

Having succeeded in her goal of making it into the top ten, sophomore Korie Kizarr placed third at the competition in the girls category.

Kizarr elaborated on her success by reminiscing on what led her to achieve her high placing.

“I think what helped is my competitiveness,” expressed Kizarr. “I feel I did the best I’ve done all year, and I’m happy with that.”

Along with Kizarr’s exceptional honor, the girls team received sixth place overall, improving from last year’s seventh place.

The boys team was also successful in maintaining their high rank in the annual competition’s history by placing seventh.

Having seen the team undergo countless changes, senior and six year cross country runner Malachi Eveland expressed his gratitude toward those who have supported him throughout his career in the sport.

“I’ve been in this sport for six years and wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am if it weren’t for my coaches and teammates,” said Eveland.

The MHS cross country teams were not only recognized for their long distance running but also for their academic achievement.

Both the boys and girls team were named 2019-20 Cross Country Academic State Champions for their high GPAs that reveal that their talents include activities off the course too.

The girls team had acquired a 4.0 GPA, and the boys have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.9.

Regarding the Cross Country season as a whole, students and coaches stated that they felt satisfied in reference to all the accomplishments made both as a team and individually.

Encouraging the boys to work hard and become stronger versions of themselves, coach Matthew Ivory spoke about all the turmoil experienced throughout the season and how the boys approached the difficulties.

“The boys team has faced a lot of adversity this year,” said Ivory. “I’m really proud of how these guys decided to work hard together and complete hard for each other.”

With the success the MHS cross country team received this year, the future of the program is anticipated to only grow.