KHS is state-bound, but work still to do
KINGFISHER’S Chesni Newkirk has been one of Kingfisher’s most consistent runners all season. She and the rest of the Lady Jackets will vie for a state championship Saturday in Edmond. [Photo by Chris Simon/www.simon-sports-photos. smugmug.com]
Kingfisher won’t be going into the state cross country meet as a regional champ like last year - not even the runner-up - but coach Kerri Lafferty knows the final week still offers a chance to improve.
She’s counting on it.
KHS took third place last Saturday at the 4A regional held in Enid.
The fifth-ranked Lady Jackets scored just 69 points, but were bested by No. 3 Pauls Valley, which won the meet with 57.
Oklahoma Christian School, ranked sixth, also edged KHS with 66 points.
“It wasn’t the outcome I wanted or expected,” Lafferty admitted.
However, she said, when she reviewed times from the two other regional meets, her demeanor improved.
“We really are sitting in a great position heading into state,” she said.
All five of Kingfisher’s scoring runners were among the top-20 in score placing.
Freshman Liberty Starr led the way as she finished fifth overall.
Her time of 12:54.34 was a personal record.
“That was huge for her and the team,” Lafferty said. “Liberty is such a competitor – she wanted to place top-10 at regionals and she went out and did it.”
Katon Lunsford took 13th overall, but 12th in team scoring. Chesni Newkirk was 16th (15th).
Senior Ally Stephenson was just two spots back of Newkirk.
“She stepped up this week as well,” Lafferty said. “I think she is starting to believe that she can run lower times.”
Jacee Mueggenborg rounded out Kingfisher’s scoring by coming in 21st (20th).
Tuttle’s Madi Surber won the meet in 12:24.09. Pauls Valley’s top-three runners were all among the top-six finishers.
OCS placed two in the top-10.Top-ranked Byng won its regional at Waurika and No. 2 Cascia Hall emerged as the regional champ at Henryetta.
Byng topped No. 7 Madill. Cascia Hall bested No. 4 Lincoln Christian.
Those schools as well as the top-three from Enid figure to play big roles in vying for a state title this weekend.
State is at 2:35 p.m. Saturday at Edmond Santa Fe High School for the 4A girls.
Lafferty feels her team has the ability to be in the conversation for a place on the medal stand.
“Basically, we have to mentally toughen up in order to go out and compete with the top runners,” she said.
“We are capable of running lower times this weekend; the girls just have to go out and get it. At this point, it is really anyone’s championship.”