The Bearcat cross country team competed at the 3A regional meet Oct. 21 at Lake Barton Trails for a chance to make it to the state meet.

Bearcat runners performed well and multiple athletes saw personal records, with others coming close. Although nobody was able to make state, it was the first regional invitational for four of the six runners.

“With a young team, there is always lots to learn,” Head Coach Eric Coonrod said.

With no seniors and only one junior, the team has overcome the setbacks of inexperience.

“These runners steadily improved their times and improved the way they ran their races,” Coonrod said. “I think they’ve also watched how their improvements went along with how hard they worked. Their distance days and track workout days improved in intensity as the season went along, and any races you can participate in will help with experience and will help you to know the approach you need to take in future races.”

Freshman Molly Ehrlich placed 13th out of 51 runners, bringing her close to a top 10 finish that would have guaranteed a chance to run at state. She had a new PR of 21:43. Ehrlich was able to medal in all of her regular season meets and perform well on the tough terrain.

Ehrlich was grateful for the chance to run and see her hard work pay off.

“(My highlight) was getting to race and having the opportunity to be there,” she said. “Also getting a personal record that was 30 seconds faster than my fastest race up until regionals.”

Sophomore Kate Rathbun and freshman Reese Grothusen also competed, placing 30th and 37th, respectively.

Rathbun had a near-PR with her time of 24:28. She earned three regular-season meets and was able to see personal records multiple times as the season went on.

Grothusen had a time of 25:46, fighting against Southwest Heights and Lakin runners down the home stretch with her strong 100-meter finish.

Junior Trenton Holmes was only a few seconds away from his personal best time. He had a strong start to his race, which was necessary for the competition. He finished his last quarter mile strong as well. Holmes placed 40th out of 78 runners with his time of 19:59.

Freshmen Tegan George and Anthony Jundt also competed. They placed 73rd and 76th, respectively, and Jundt was able to PR.

Three other athletes were unable to compete, but still supported their teammates for their final race.

Athletes looked back on highlights and improvements.

“The highlight from yesterday’s meet was running the race and seeing how everyone did,” Grothusen said.

Rathbun looks forward to next year and hopes to bring in more competitors.

“Next year I’m really looking forward to, and hoping to have, a full girls’ team for the season,” she said, “and improving as a team and on my personal times.”

Coonrod and Assistant Coach Steve Bolton were grateful for the opportunity to coach and for the community that made it happen.

“Coach Bolton and I have both enjoyed these kids all season. They bring great energy to practice every day,” Coonrod said. “We also thank their families for the push and the support they gave the teams all season, with food, activities, travels, early morning practices, etc.

“Coach Bolton and I also thank our own families for all they do to support cross country throughout the season. The teams would also like to thank Ellsworth Golf Course, Patrick and Colby, for all they did for us throughout the season, as well as the understanding of golfers when we were practicing on the course.”

Next year the team will have many returning competitors with improved times, but also increased levels of grit and determination. There is a large volume of talented eighth-grade runners who will join the high school team next year, including junior high athletes such as Lakyn Beckman, Sage Gray, Wesley Rathbun and Hadley Huseman. Coonrod said he and Bolton have high expectations for not only medals and team standings, but for the team camaraderie that will come as well.