Cross Country runners head to state championship

The dripping of sweat, heavy panting, and sight of the finish line in view.

The Falcon’s Cross Country team made history this season and will send a member of the girls team, junior Gracen Samuel, to the state championship for the first time.

However, while Samuel is the only female representing the girls team, the boy’s team managed to secure a 4^th place finish overall in the region that saved them a spot at the state competition as well.

Senior David Scherrer will lead the boys in individual and team competition.

Scherrer took first place in the Coastal Conference championship in October, while Samuel placed second. Thus allowing both athletes qualification for the regional competition.

Samuel’s performance at the regional level earned her a state qualification and the honor as the only female runner to make it that far.

“I come to practice everyday with the mindset to work hard and then try to put myself in the same mind set before meets,” Samuel said.

The Cross Country state championships will be held in Warrenton, VA, on Saturday, November 12. Scherrer stated his goal at states and how his work ethic has helped him get to this point.

“Last track season, I blew my knee out the day after regionals causing me to miss states. That has motivated me to work hard in pursuit of a great performance at this upcoming event. At states I will be racing to win. The competition will be tough, but it’s my senior year so I’m going for it,” Scherrer said.