Women’s cross country team returns to State for first time in five years

 The women’s team has qualified for the state championship for the first time in five years. 

Sophomore Zoe Zylstra has led the pack throughout the season, including at the district meet. Zylstra finished with a time of 18:47, which placed her sixth. She was followed by senior Jaden Swarts who finished 16th with her time of 19:41. Senior Rachel Mandt finished in 19:46, junior Maddie Gallagher finished in 19:50, senior Anna Scannell finished in 20:06, sophomore Josee Simonson finished in 20:12 and junior Anna Becker rounded out the top seven, finishing in 20:33. 

The Tiger pack had a spread of 1:19 for runners one-five. They finished with a total of 82 points, placing them third and getting the final qualifying spot. 

“If we look at times, I would say we have progressed tremendously. Over 90 percent of our athletes have run lifetime bests this season. But, honestly, I think our most growth has come in the form of belief. The girls have learned to trust their training, their teammates and most importantly themselves. They have reached beyond and outside their comfort zone throughout the season and that is where their personal bests have come from, welcoming discomfort and attacking it head on,” assistant coach Chris Wood said. “I want our athletes to end on a high note at State. I want them to know that we are proud of them for this season, but they all have so many greater things to accomplish. Knowing that they gave everything in this last week of the season and that they are putting CF cross country back on the state map should offer awesome reflection leading into their next adventure.”

The state meet will be held in Fort Dodge on Oct. 29. at Lake Municipal golf course. The girls race starts at 2, followed by the boys race at 2:45. Tickets have to be purchased ahead of time, and they are $10.