On Oct. 17, seven South Loup Bobcats earned a trip to Kearney to run at the NSAA state Cross Country meet this Friday. To do this, runners had to either place in the top 15 as an individual or in the top three teams. At the District meet in Cambridge four of the Bobcats earned medals and individual qualification for State. They are senior Ivy Tullis (22:34.73) 4th, senior Ella Cool (22:42.48) 5th, freshman Jaden Baker (18:50.05) 4th, and Josiah Coleman (19:10.36) 9th.

Baker and Coleman along with sophomore Walter Bierman (19:59.2) 18th, senior Caleb McFate (21:56.65) 41st, and senior Dawson Mason who didn’t run due to injury, qualified as a team.

“This was such an exciting day because every person that ran extended their season to run at state,” said Cool. “I was so proud of my teammates. Due to last-minute injuries, Walter had to step up and play a huge part along with Jaden and Josiah in the team placing.”

Head Coach Nicole Recoy agreed with Cool that Bierman’s amazing performance was essential to the boys' performance as a team. Coach Recoy also said, “It was a warm and very windy day, but it didn’t keep them from having outstanding performances!”

“I was a little sad going into this race knowing it would be my last districts, and possibly my last race ever,” Tullis added. “Fortunately, I could change it into a strong mindset and determination in the race. I am so excited for State and can’t wait to see how everybody competes. I can only hope for the best for my last race of my high school career.”

Tullis had an exceptional race. She went in ranked seventh behind some very tough competition but ended up pushing to place fourth.

All around, the South Loup Bobcats had a very successful meet. They will travel to the University of Nebraska at Kearney to compete against hundreds of other runners at the Nebraska State Cross Country meet this Friday.