Local middle school cross country teams competed in the KCTCCA Meet of Champions at Masterson Station Park in Lexington over the weekend. The Daviess County Middle School girls team took the state title while the boys team grabbed the runner-up spot for the second year in a row.
First-year coach Emery Crume said she could not be more pleased with Saturday’s performance.
“Both teams made me incredibly proud this weekend. It was a tough fight on both sides, and it’s obvious to anyone watching how hard these kids worked this year,” Crume said.
Scoring for the DCMS girls team was Julia Zopiactle (9th, 15:53), Kloee Gaynor (15th, 16.24), Chaney Heady (26th, 16:55), Anna King (41st, 17:11), and Keali Day (42nd, 17:12).
“For the girls team to pull off a perfect season, that is icing on the cake. They came in focused and determined, and that was very evident in the results,” Crume said.
The Lady Panthers won every meet this season.
“This group of girls has worked since 3rd grade to build a team that could contend for a state title,” said Sonya Simpson. “The family support behind this program is none other than a true family atmosphere cheering on each and every athlete no matter where they place on the team. If one athlete has a less-than-expected performance, another athlete steps up and take their place. It’s amazing teamwork at all times.”
In the boys race, Lucca Neves led DCMS with a 9th-place finish with a time of 13:98. Other top finishers for DCMS included Asher Doughty (32nd, 14.53), Tristyn Dant (42nd, 15.02), Luka Skibba (48th, 15:23), and Collin Jones (63rd, 15.45).
“Our boys are also cheered on by every parent. … Although they were heartbroken to not earn that state title, we are just as proud of their hard work and effort this season. Undefeated up until the state meet,” Simpson said.
Landon Thompson of College View Middle School was the top finisher for the Vikings, placing 29th (14:46).
For full results, visit ky.milesplit.com/meets/561034-2023-ktccca-meet-of-champions-presented-by-milesplit-2023/results/979476.
