Cross Country Teams Qualify for State

Kearney High School’s girls cross country team won the district championship last weekend, while the boys finished third to join them in qualifying for the Missouri State Cross Country Championships.

The Bulldogs had 12 runners earn All-District honors, including all seven members of the girls team.

Ayla Lehman led Kearney with a first-place finish in 20:23. Izzy Fowler placed third in 20:52, followed by Zolah Williams in eighth at 21:35 and Scarlett Carpenter in ninth at 21:36.

Drew Gustafson finished 13th in 21:50, Lenny Watts took 15th in 22:00 and Kadence Vanderau placed 16th in 22:06, rounding out the girls’ championship team.

Five Kearney boys earned All-District honors. Cameron Fowler paced the team with an 11th-place finish in 17:25. Hunter Phipps finished 13th in 17:29, and Alex Gustafson placed 15th in 17:43.

Jackson Vasquez took 23rd in 18:03, and Korban Gomer finished 27th in 18:14. Luke Vanderstel placed 32nd and Mason Woods finished 34th, helping the boys secure third place and a state berth.

Kearney School District hosted the Class 3 and Class 4 district championships. The district recognized head coach Jeff Roberts and the Bulldogs for their performances and thanked the coaches, parent volunteers, KSD Activities Department, grounds crew and Robotics team members who helped run the event.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.