Girls’ cross country secured a spot in the 5A State Championship after finishing third in the Region 2-5A meet on Tuesday.

“I’m excited for the girls,” coach Khera Vay said. “They have made it to state as a team after the upset at regionals last year and have put in the work to make their goal a reality. Their performance was a perfect example of their practice determination.”

Senior Sydni Wilkins continued her run of success with a third place finish out of nearly 200 girls.

“I feel very satisfied with my performance,” Wilkins said. “The competition at regionals was very tough, but I think that running against these faster girls helps me push myself.”

Helping the team earn their spot was sophomore Caitlyn Ruback who finished 21st, and will be headed to the state meet for the first time.

“I know that the state course is very difficult, so I’m not really looking to go for time but more for place,” Ruback said. “I’m going to try my hardest and do everything I can do because I know that it will be my last race of my sophomore season.”

For senior Kayla Winter, this trip to state brings bittersweet feelings.

“I’m really proud of my teammates for getting us to state because I couldn’t have done it on my own,” Winter said. “Although we were hoping to beat Wakeland, I’m still super excited that we redeemed ourselves from last year. I’m pretty sad that next week will be my last race in cross country, but I’m using it as motivation to give my all at state.”