Cross Country

State Results

The Kansas State 3A Cross Country Championships were held on Saturday.  64 schools make up class 3A, and the Falcons lined up against the top 12 to see just how high up the ranks they could climb.  Cold weather, and even some rain came through, but the runners would not be deterred from the task at hand.

The boys team raced first.  The team’s only two upperclassmen, Hunter Bailey and Lucas Hassler led the way.  Hunter claimed his second All-State finish, placing 17th.  Lucas ran a great race, narrowly missing the top 20 finish by three places.  The team as a whole placed 8th in a close race with several other schools.  A mere 10 points separated them from 5th place.

The girls team was led by their own seniors, Hope Crabtree and Katie Cameron, finishing in 25th and 38th.  Their strong team came in close behind.  They placed 5th, which is the second highest finish by a girls team in the history of West Franklin.

After spending all season looking for ways to improve, and seeing the athletes learn to conquer themselves on the course, it is always hard to see it come to an end.  Many of the athletes have already begun the talk of when they will start training again, and how next year will be better.  Their hunger to continue their growth is inspiring.  It is a reminder of the drive that brought the seniors to this point, and that while the hope for the future is always there, we must not miss out on the present that we have come to as a result of each of our choices.

Seniors Lucas Hassler, Hope Crabtree, and Katie Cameron have all been members of the highest state finishes in school history.  It’s hard to believe that this part of their journey is over, but there is no doubt that the team and coaches are thankful for their dedication in races and their contributions to the team culture that sustains the program from year to year.  No videos or slideshows will ever capture the ways that they have shaped themselves and this team.  They will surely be missed.

High School Boys (Team 8th): Hunter Bailey (17th), Lucas Hassler (23rd), Josh Foster (49th), Andrew Patterson (61st), Coy Link (91st), Kurtis McCormick (101st), Tristan Craig (103rd)

High School Girls (Team 5th): Hope Crabtree (25th), Katie Cameron (38th), Emma Cameron (41st), Kate Shepherd (63rd), Kara McCormick (69th), Mya Crabtree (82nd), Alex Holloman (92nd)