For the first time in nearly a decade, the Washington Demon cross country teams will be represented at the state cross country meet. Sophomore Claire Horak, this week’s KCII Hedge Above Lawncare Athlete of the Week, took third place overall at the state qualifying meet in Solon with a time of 19:31. The top 15 individual finishers automatically qualify for the state cross country meet next Saturday in Fort Dodge. Horak becomes the first Washington runner to qualify for the state race since Kelsey Anding in 2007.

Washington’s next best finish came from freshman Evan Horak, who placed 27th overall in the boys’ field with a time of 18:02. Meredith Raber posted the next best finish for Demon girls’ team. Her time of 21:27 was the 28th best performance.