Girls win at Districts

Hannibal head cross country coach Charlie Newland has a theory — hard work, most times, pays out in success.
Saturday, that theory was proved correct when the Hannibal girls’ cross country team took first place at the District meet, sending the entire Lady Pirate squad to State this weekend. That is a feat that only two other girls’ teams that have donned the black and red can claim.
While the achievement, alone, is worth getting excited about, Newland said that this victory takes on just a little more significance.
“What makes it special is that we only have seven girls out for the team,” Newland said. “That’s like not having anybody coming off of the bench to give these girls a break. So, if one girl goes down, if affects the entire team. To think that the girls did this just on their own and didn’t have to fall back on anybody else was really nice.”
As Newland pointed out, one of the biggest contributing factors to the Hannibal victory was the performance of Hannibal’s top two runners, Emma Burditt and Abbey Jeffries. The junior and freshman have been drafting partners all season and Saturday’s meet was no different. Burditt took top honors, the third time in as many years, when she finished with a time of 20:25. Jeffries was right behind her at 20:47 to take second place.
After that, the field dropped off slightly, headed up by Taryn Dungan, who took 14th place at 22:33. On those efforts alone, the Lady Pirates would have been guaranteed three State qualifiers. But the last two places made a big difference, Newland said. In 19th place, Madison Sante finished with a time of 23:05. Sante was followed immediately by senior Jacqueline Gosney, who took 20th place with a time of 23:16.
As the fifth finisher for the Lady Pirates, where Gosney finished was very important to the team taking top honors, Newland said.
“Jacqueline was a little disappointed in her performance but she didn’t give up,” Newland said. “Without her, I just don’t know if the team would have made it to the State meet. She fought through even though she’s been feeling tired. Her not giving up was one of the keys to us making the State meet.”
Rounding out the field for the Lady Pirates were Martina Woodard (37th, 24:39) and Daquasia Dawson (42nd, 26:41).
However, because the team, as a whole, took first place, everyone on the team will get a chance to take on Oak Hills Golf Course in Jefferson City in a few days time, which Newland said will be an excellent experience for all involved.
“Emma Burditt and Jacqueline are returning state qualifiers and will be able to help with the other five girls who will be going to the state meet for the first time,” Newland said. “Experience helps a lot with this meet. It should be a fun week for the girls.”
When the boys took the course, it was a little different outcome with a fourth place finish. Only Brady Novak was able to qualify for the State meet. Novak took eighth place with a time of 18:13.
“Brady went out, nice and consistent,” Newland said. “At about the mile, he was about 16th or 17th. ... We are looking forward to a good meet. He’s still just a pup, so hopefully we can get a State meet underneath him and things will be looking well for next year and the year after, hopefully.”
Just missing out on qualifying for the State meet was senior Matt Norman, who took 17th place with a time of 19:04. He was followed by Jacob Janes, who finished 24th with a time of 19:57. Up next was Blake Jarman, who finished 29th with his time of 20:17. Jordan Karlinski finished 42nd for the Pirates with his time of 21:07 to take the final varsity qualifying time.
Also running for the Pirates were Kyle Wessel (44th, 21:22) and Trevor Stratton (45th, 21:23).
Next up for Novak and the girls’ team is the State meet. The Lady Pirates will run first with the rest of the Class 3 qualifiers at approximately 12:05 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, with the Class 3 boys qualifiers to follow at approximately 1:15 p.m. Trophies and medals will be presented for both at approximately 1:45 p.m.