West Grand High School’s girls cross country team placed 12th in the state after strong finishes from six runners in Saturday’s Colorado State Cross Country Championships.
Ultimately, eight Grand County athletes from both West Grand and Middle Park High School placed among the state’s top runners at the state championships in Colorado Springs.
The West Grand girls, who raced against other 2A schools, captured 241 points to edge out their competitors for 12th place. Junior Samantha Westfahl placed in the top 25 with her time of 22:05, which put her 24th.
Junior Joy Hast finished 33rd with a time of 22:27; sophomore Allura Luna finished 79th with a time of 24:28; junior Danielle DeMattos finished 108th with a time of 26:47; senior Jessica Gregory finished 114th with a time of 28:27; and sophomore Lillie Steinle finished 118th with a time of 30:56.
From the West Grand boys team, sophomore Galen Wilkinson placed 71st after finishing at 19:13.
Representing Middle Park High School as the only runner from either team competing at the state championships, sophomore Leah Cormican competed with other 3A girls and finished her race 63rd with a time of 21:44.