On Friday, Oct. 25, seven South Loup cross country runners competed at the Nebraska State Cross Country meet in Kearney against a total of 243 other competitors. The state meet has a lot of very tough competition and only places the top 15 from a field of more than 100 runners.

Senior Ella Cool was the highest placer on the team earning 26th with a time of 21:22.0. Senior Ivy Tullis (22:00.4) was the seond-highest placer at 47th.

“The weather was amazing, and we had a lot of people come out to support us, which put us all in a good mindset to compete well,” said Tullis. “The whole team ran amazing; I am so happy that everyone could finish off the season so strong.”

The boys also had a very strong showing. Freshman Jaden Baker (18:23.6) placed the highest of the boys at 48th. This was a very impressive run on a very hilly course. Junior Josiah Coleman placed 73rd with 18:57.6, and senior Caleb McFate placed 120th in his final race with a time of 20:59.7.

Walter Bierman (19:39.2) who placed 104th had not only a course record but a career personal record by eight seconds. “It was an exciting but challenging course. It was very exciting to be the first South Loup boys' team to compete at State,” said Bierman.

The best moments of the races were at the finish line where all the competitors pushed to finish strong. Dawson Mason had a very good finish, passing multiple competitors in the final stretch.

Tullis also had a close call with another competitor but was able to pull ahead to beat her by a tenth of a second.

Head Coach Nicole Recoy was not able to attend the competition due to family obligations but was very pleased with how every one of her runners competed.