The state meet, which took place at Kernersville, NC Nov. 9, involved a course that contained various challenges. Sophomore Isabella Frey points out the difficulties she faced during the race.

“There were just hills everywhere. It was pretty hilly, but it was manageable,” Frey said.

Her 18:38.65 earned her 4th overall, around 9 sec off of the third place finisher.

“My results were not as good as I had hoped. But, I’m still very proud of my placement,” Frey said.

Considering how laborious the course was, sophomore Olivia Fischlein was still able to focus on the upsides.

“I liked the finish because it’s just a long, straight path, and, it’s not really sandy, so you’re not slipping,” Fischlein said.

She finished 50th overall with a time of 20:06.15 while senior teammate Leah Given clocked in at 19:54.50 for a 42nd place finish. In all 139 runners competed in the meet.

On the boys’ side, sophomore Nick Hottell finished 63 (17:02.12) and junior teammate Lucas Rorick finished 92nd (17:25.66) with 153 runners competing.

When relating the dynamics at regionals to those at states, the athletes noted that the states event was quicker and more aggressive.

“The competition at states was crazy compared to regionals because everyone was fighting to be there,” Hottel said. “It’s kind of intimidating because at the start, everyone dead sprinted.”

Considering what he’s accomplished at states, Hottel wished to have finished stronger.

“I wouldn’t want to change anything that happened at states, but I felt like I backed off at the end.”

The season concluded, the athletes appreciate the results of this season and the people involved in it.

“It’s been a really great season. I love all my teammates and coaches,” Given said. “I love being a part of a team.”