Win a conference title? Check. Break school records? Check and check. Make a return trip to state? Check, check, and check. The fairytale season for Washington cross country runner Lance Sobaski continued on Wednesday at a state qualifying meet in Monticello, as the junior had a runner-up finish.

Fresh off becoming the program’s first Southeast Conference Champ last week, Sobaski had an encore performance by clocking in at 16:27 to place second. That time broke a school record set in 1998 by Cesar Castaneda in 16:31. Brandon Barker of Clear Creek Amana took home the gold last night in 16:17. This marks the second straight season Sobaski will compete at state. All other Demons saw their fall come to a close, but freshman Micah Rees had a solid showing placing 32nd out of 74 in 17:51. Other finishes included Cameron Vongpanya 54th (18:48), Elijah Morris 56th (18:50), Peyton Snakenberg 63rd (19:30), and William Kennedy 68th (20:26). Washington placed eighth as a team out of 11 with 207 points.

The Washington girls finished sixth with 198 points. Hannah Rees closed out her career placing 31st in 21:40 and Abby Kleese was 38th in 22:10. Other Demons included Taylor Bartholomew 39th (22:14), Cloe Telleen 42nd (22:40), Grace Voss 48th (22:55), Josie Tanner 60th (23:21), and Molly Klinzman 64th (23:36).

Sobaski will run in Fort Dodge next week with the class 3A meet being on Friday.