Two MHS runners qualify for state
Two Marion High School cross-country team members are heading for the Class 3-A state competition Saturday in Wamego.
Senior Zac Ewert and junior Jessica DeForest qualified for state during the area regional held last Saturday at Bluestem in Leon.
In the boys' race, Ewert placed eighth with a time of 17.50, while DeForest placed eighth in the girls' competition with a time of 13:38, according to coach Matt Robert.
For Ewert, this is his second trip to state. He qualified last year as a junior, Robert said.
Both runners indicated they are happy to have qualified.
"I'm excited to be going," DeForest said.
Ewert agreed and added, "I just hope to place in the top 20."
Robert said he was proud of all the team members and was thrilled that two runners would have the opportunity to participate at state.
"I'm excited about the rewards of all our hard work," Robert commented.
In the girls' state competition, DeForest will run at 10:30 a.m. Ewert will run in the boys' division at 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at the Wamego Country Club.
Local regional results
Six other Marion High students competed during regional competition in Leon.
For the boys, Brian Bina placed 27th with a time of 18:51 and Brandon Watson came in 54th with a time of 20:32.
Among the girls, Alissa Vogel placed 14th with a time of 14:11; Johanna Pape, 28th, 14:42; Briana Vogel, 48th, 17:03; and Haley Creamer, 50th, 17:50.
"Alissa just missed going to state by one person," Robert said. "As a sophomore, she did an excellent job for her first year. She worked real hard and came close.
"I believe she has a promising year ahead of her (next year)," Robert added.
