Area runners compete at State cross country

WAMEGO -- Six runners represented area schools at the Kansas State Cross Country Championships at the Wamego Country Club here Saturday.

Fort Scott High School had two entrants in the Class 4A girls' race while Jayhawk-Linn had four in the Class 3A girls' event.

Senior Catherine Sercer finished in 29th place for Fort Scott as she finished the four-kilometer course in a time of 16:39.86. Junior Kaylie Harper placed 61st in 17:28.67.

Heather Garcia of Baldwin defended her Class 4A championship, running the 4K course in 14:41.55. Southeast Kansas League champion Alicia Whitehurst of Independence finished 20th in 16:17.44.

Junior Sylvia Grant was the highest finisher for Jayhawk-Linn in the 3A race, running a 17:41.92 to finish in 40th place. Teammate Madison Beckman, also a junior, was right behind with a 17:45.89 for 41st. Senior Stephanie Mayhugh was 52nd in 18:02.82 and junior Samantha Green finished in 22:22.22.

Senior Annie Martin of Riley County, was the Class 3A champion in 14:58.47.