Class 3 District 2 XC gives Bulldogs ticket to Saturday’s race

On Saturday, Oct. 29, the El Dorado Springs Cross Country team laoded up the bus and traveled to Hermitage, at the Pomme De Terre Outlet Park for the Class 3 District 2 Cross County meet. On the line for the kids was a ticket to the Missouri State Cross Country meet held next Saturday, Nov. 5, at Gans Creek Park in Columbia. To qualify for the meet, individuals have to place in the top 30 at the District meet or be one of the top four teams, giving 16 teams at the State meet.

After the Class 2 and Class 1 races concluded earlier in the day, the girls Class 3 District 2 race got started at 1 p.m. Early in the race, like they have all year, Hannah Klaiber, Audrey Goatley and Colbie Wood packed together towards the front of the race. In the end, Hannah finished 7th with a time of 21:08.67, followed shortly by Audrey in 8th with a time of 21:10.15, with Colbie finishing 12th with a time of 21:23.99. A short time later, Hanna Ridgway finished 18th to join the State Individual Qualifiers, with a time of 22:13.45. These four girls were joined by Lela Brown, Clara Farran and Myka Barger to finish second as a team, just one point out of the win. The girls team had to deal with adversity the last several weeks, dealing with several injuries. They persevered through the pain and discomfort associated with the injuries and still competed well. We are hoefull, with another week that they can continue to mend and heal and be ready to show everyone just who they are.

Next up, and the final race of the day, was the Class 3 District 2 Boys race which got started at 1:45 p.m. Connor Goatley led the way for the boys, finishing 6th with a time of 17:22.80, followed shortly by Garrett Klaiber in 7th with a time of 17:40.32 Braxton Watts was the next Bulldog to cross the finish tine, finishing 19th with a time of 18:09.06, followed shortly by Logan Fish which finished 20th with a time of 18:17.68. The pack continued with Blayze McCullough finishing 23rd with a time of 18:26.32 with Sylas Fletcher on his heels in 24th with a time of 18:27.81. These six individual Qualifiers were joined by Ryan Griffin to win the Class 3 District 2 Team Championship. The boys are healthy and running really well right now.

This was a very tough course to have to qualify for State on, however, the athletes handled it well and took care of business. Both teams will be heading to the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championships which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Gans Creek Park in Columbia. The girls race will be at 11:15 a.m. with the boys race at noon. Top four teams will plaque with the top 25 individuals medaling and being given All-State Honors. If you wish to travel and watch the Championships, you will need to purchase tickets ahead of time electronically, at mshsaa.org. GO BULLDOGS.

BOY’S TEAM – From left: Coach Goatley, Blake Loane, Logan Fish, Braxton Watts, Garrett Klaiber, Blayze McCullough, Connor Goatley, Ryan Griffin, Sylas Fletcher and Kyan Roberts.

GIRL’S TEAM – From left: Coach Goatley, Myka Barger, Lela Brown, Hannah Klaiber, Colbie Wood, Hanna Ridgway, Audrey Goatley and Clara Farran.