Emelia MacDonald and Jessica Durkee were the sole qualifiers from TKHS, for the 2020 edition of the Cross Country State Meet. The bottom line is that they went in and had themselves great performances on an uncharacteristically hot day. 

Last year at the state finals, race day featured cold and blowing wind, and winter coats, hats, and warm gloves were worn to keep from freezing. Today, shorts and t-shirts were the order of the day, as there was plenty of sunshine, and little wind.

The girls had great attitudes going into the race. They had intentions of beating certain people to the finish line, who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent, and with the idea of gettin’ after it, and really appreciating the experience. Well, they accomplished all of these and more.

Both started out strong, not in the front, but toward the front. They kept crankin’ out the hits, passing people along the way. Ultimately, Emmie finished in the top 17%, in 19:58, while Jessie finished in the top 27% in 20:17.

It was great to have these girls be able to run and represent us so well, but I think I heard them on about 20 different occasions saying, “I wish the whole team was here.” That’s just the kind of girls they are. “Next year,” they said. Next year indeed!

With the finishing places that they achieved and the grade point averages they carry, they are preliminarily eligible for Academic All-State Honors. It’s not official yet, but they both meet the qualification standards.

I knew these two would represent us well...because they always do. Congratulations ladies, we are all happy for you and proud of you!