Fairbanks’ girls cross-country team gets set to compete in the Division III state meet Saturday at National Trail Raceway. Pictured for FHS from the left are Amelia Cameron, Lindsey Eddy, Kai Van Dyke, Grace Hubbs (headband in the back), Adeline Fitzwater, Kaidie Carstensen and Kalor Greve. (Photo submitted)
The 2019 high school cross-country season came to an end on Saturday with state competition at National Trail Raceway near Hebron.
The Lady Panthers of Fairbanks were the highest placers of the three full local teams that competed.
FHS placed 13th out of 20 teams that ran in Division III.
As expected, Minster ran away with the D-III state crown, finishing with 79 points.
West Liberty-Salem was the runner-up with 89, followed by Ft. Loramie-90, Mt. Gilead-160, Liberty Center-161, Centerburg-222, McDonald-258, Gilmour Academy–259, Archbold-279, Maplewood-282, Columbus Grove-285, Woodmore-312,
FHS-320, New London-334, Norhmor-349, Versailles-358, Madiera-372, Smithville-373, Delphos St. John’s-447 and Caldwell-471.
This was the first time in school history that Fairbanks’ girls competed in the state meet.
Amelia Cameron led the Lady Panthers with a 69th place clocking of 20:27.3.
She was followed by Kalor Greve, 73rd, 20:28.6; Adeline Fitzwater, 81st, 20:43.1; Kaidie Carstensen, 115th, 21:33.0; Lindsey Eddy, 167th, 23:29.8; Gracie Hubbs, 170th, 23:45.3; and Kai Van Dyke, 180th, 28:20.5.
There were 180 runners in the meet.
“It’s been a historic season and historic group of girls,” said Panther coach Mike Van Winkle. “They achieved every goal that we set on Aug. 1 (the first day of practice).
“They raised the bar for all other CC teams at Fairbanks and are evidence that commitment and dedication to ‘The Journey’ creates opportunities to compete at the highest level,” he said. “I could not be prouder of my team.”
Kalor Greve (right) of FHS is pictured during the Division III state meet on Saturday. (Photo submitted)