This season, Sion’s cross country team was in the top four in the district out of twenty- five teams. This ranking earned them a place at state where they competed with the top sixteen teams in the district. State was held in Columbia, Missouri where the University of Missouri practices.
The team this year was composed of a younger group with only three upperclassmen and seven underclassmen. This created an obstacle considering the team was going against larger teams with older girls. Despite this, the girls pushed each other and achieved a spot at state.
“We were in the top four of our district which was really impressive because five of our team members were freshmen, ” Reynold Middleton said. “ We only had three upperclassmen, only one of the three being a senior.”
Coach Middleton was proud of his team not only for their running, but for their ability to work together. Sole senior and captain Abby Pantaenius took on the position of the team role model and put her best effort in to help all the girls. When it came to state, Pantaenius was the only upperclassmen competing.
“I was the only upperclassmen because Mary [Schumm] and Zoey [Chambers] were out, so I was just with freshmen and sophomores the whole time,” said Pantenius. “They were all really nice and supportive so I appreciated it.”
All of the freshmen did summer running, so they knew how practices and meets would go. Pantenius also gave them some advice when it came to how certain teams would run, and pointers on how to cross the finish line. They knew state would be an intense competition, but they were excited for the experience.
“This was my first time going to state, so I didn’t know what to expect,” said Pantenius. “It was the course that they use for the Mizzou team so it felt more professional.”
In the end, the team enjoyed their trip to Columbia and the team memories they gained. They placed thirteenth out of 16 in state, and every member achieved a new personal best time.
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