The Huskies had positive momentum on their side going into the state championship, coming off back to back first place wins at the EKL and regional championships.

Head cross country coach Ian Frazier said he told his team to leave everything they had out there.

“The main message for this race was ‘If you can’t be great be good’ which is a phrase we use for if the stars don’t align on one day you don’t just hand it in, you still want to do everything in your power to be good,” Frazier said.

Concluding the race, the Huskies’ girls cross country team finished in second as well as senior Riley Beach who also finished second individually. Beach said she was emotionless after initially crossing the line.

“I think when I crossed the finish line I was really out of it, my body didn’t perform the way it normally does, so when I first finished I didn’t have a ton of emotions but as the day went on I was thankful to be there and surrounded by my team,” Beach said.

Completing the season, Frazier said he was pleased with what his team was able to accomplish.

“It was a lot of joy, a lot of validation, a lot of pride and pure genuine happiness to finally get to see them realize this goal that had been discussed years beforehand,” Frazier said. “It was a really gratifying experience to be able to witness that first hand.” 

Including herself, the Huskies girls cross country team will graduate Carolyn Thurlby and CJ Lyon. Despite the loss, Beach said she is confident that the team will be competing for more state championships.

“I think that we have so many talented younger runners who are getting the chance to develop into the best they can be and I think they’ll continue to improve. I think the coaches do a good job of mentally preparing you to be as successful as possible so I think that will continue a culture of success even beyond next year,” Riley said.

Having finished their last race for the Huskies, Frazier said the seniors did a good job of setting a winning standard.

“The three seniors we have in our top seven, they are standard bearers. They came in with dreams of wanting more and I’m so glad through their teamwork together they were able to make their dream a reality,” Frazier said.