BOLIVAR, Mo. — On another successful and memorable day for the program, Webb City’s boys and girls cross country teams both finished second at the Class 4 District 2 meet on Saturday morning at the Bolivar Municipal Golf Course.
With the runner-up finishes, both Webb City squads punched their respective tickets to the state meet.
It’s the second straight season Webb City is taking two full squads to the state championships in Columbia.
“It was just a really good day overall for us,” Webb City coach Dustin Miller said. “I was really proud of the way we competed. I’m proud of both teams for battling some adversity and being ready for today. And just getting through is the main thing.”
At the district meet, the top four teams and the top 30 individuals advanced to the state meet.
The top four boys teams were Willard (74), Webb City (79), West Plains (91) and Bolivar (116).
“I was really proud of the guys,” Miller said. “We battled some adversity this week. Our No. 1 runner (Roman Borboa) got sick with a stomach bug and battled that all week. He’s still not 100 percent. Our No. 4, Mason Hedger, was throwing up and had migraine headaches this week. We were just praying to keep the wheels on. Hats off to Willard. I mean it stinks to lose, but that’s a little extra motivation for next week when it really matters.”
Webb City’s Dustin Brockmiller, Roman Borboa and Evan Stevens finished fifth, seventh and eighth, respectively.
Brockmiller crossed the line at 16:47, while Borboa’s time was 16:57 and Stevens finished in 16:58.
Also for the Cardinals, Jose Banda-Antillon was 28th, Blake Vaughan took 33rd and Mason Hedger finished 36th.
Of course, Webb City finished as the runner-up in Class 4 a year ago.
LOCAL INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS
Advancing to state with a top-30 finish were Carl Junction senior Collin Emmert and Monett junior Julio Cruz. Emmert finished 10th in 17:08, while Cruz was 11th in 17:09.
Emmert finished 18th at last year’s state meet.
Also of note, Carl Junction’s Brock Feken finished 38th, while Monett’s Victor Salas was 41st and McDonald County’s Hunter Leach finished 49th.
STREET, HAWKINS LEAD WEBB CITY GIRLS
The top four girls teams were West Plains (31), Webb City (85), Bolivar (120) and Rolla (121). Carl Junction’s girls were fifth (147).
Webb City’s Abi Street and Riley Hawkins finished third and fourth, respectively, in the girls race.
A junior, Street crossed the line at 19:48. A senior, Hawkins recorded a time of 19:55.
Also competing for the Cardinals were Alanna Bundy (18th), Isabelle Lopez (31st), Emily Countryman (36th), Lauren Kuechler (64th) and Elliett Capron (71st).
“Our girls had some injuries this week and faced some adversity this week,” Miller said. “Emily Countryman really stepped up for us.
“The race went out really slow,” Miller added. “West Plains and us had the same strategy—sit on each other. But our girls pulled away from some really quality opponents and that shows how fit they are. I think there were seven of the top 10 or top 15 runners in the state here at this meet today. We battled some good teams today. That shows us that we have a shot to go to state and steal a plaque. It would be pretty nice to drive home with two trophies next weekend.”
TWO BULLDOGS ADVANCE
Carl Junction had two girls finish in the top 30, as Alexis Carpenter was 22nd in 21:37 and Hannah Franks finished 29th in 22:00.
Nevada’s Allie Rains also qualified for state by finishing 23rd.
Also of note, Carl Junction’s Sadie Burchett finished 34th and teammate Ally Montez was 37th.
NOTES: The 47th MSHSAA Cross Country Championships begin on Friday in Columbia.
The Class 4 boys race is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday at Gans Creek Cross Country Course. The Class 4 girls race is slated for 9:45.
FULL RESULTS: MSHSAA Class 4 – District 2 2021 – Meet Results (milesplit.com)
