The PHS Cross-Country team worked hard all season long to qualify and prepare for the State Meet. On Saturday, Nov 9, 2024, They traveled to Columbia, Missouri, to compete at the Class 3 State Cross-Country meet.
The varsity girl’s team qualified as a whole and there were 2 individual boys to qualify.
Girl’s Results-
- Sophomore, Peyton Heifner, finished 19th place with a time of 20:35.70
- Freshmen, Presley Smith, finished 45th place with a time of 21:26.40
- Junior, Carley Coleman, finished 101st place with a time of 22:59.70
- Senior, Allison Land, finished 111th place with a time of 23:14.90
- Sophomore, Makya Knoll, finished 145th place with a time of 25:17.70
- Sophomore, Avaleigh Govro, finished 154th place with a time of 26.00.80
- Freshmen, Peyton Morrison, finished 156th place with a time of 26:31.30
A. Land said, “ I would tell new runners that the most important thing is to show up and be a present member of the team year-round. Come to off-season practices and show up even when you don’t feel like it.”
Boy’s Results-
- Senior, Alex Smith, finished 53rd place with a time of 18:12.90
- Sophomore, Brayden Smith, finished 105th place with a time of 19.00.00
A. Smith said, “The most memorable moment of my Cross-Country career was when I threw a snake under the bathroom stall at Jaden Kanan and he jumped up on the toilet.”
This year the cross country team had many accomplishments including, five athletes getting All-Conference. Those athletes were Alex Smith, Brayden Smith, Peyton Heifner, Presley Smith, and Allison Land. Six athletes earned All-District. Those athletes were Alex Smith, Brayden Smith, Peyton Heifner, Presley Smith, Allison Land, and Carley Coleman. The team finished the year with one athlete who earned All-State which was Peyton Heifner.
Head coach Amanda Politte was very proud of what her team accomplished. She said, “ We ended the season strong running our best meet of the year at Districts. Most kids ran their lifetime PR or season PR at districts. Everyone stepped it up when we had to because of that the entire Girls’ team qualified for the state as well as two boys. The girls’ team was hit with some injuries this year, but all 9 girls contributed to the success of the team by knowing their roles and performing when they were needed. At the state meet everyone gave it their all in the rainy and muddy conditions. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team. The future looks very bright for the young Potosi XC runners.”
