Dora girls XC team takes first, boys team takes second place at Class 1 District 1 meet Saturday

Dora Falcons cross country runners traveled to Arcadia for the Class 1 District 1 meet Saturday, Nov. 2, and represented Ozark County in fine fashion when the girls team brought home the championship and several individuals qualified to compete at the state level.

The top 30 athletes and the top four teams in each division advance to the state competitions on Friday, Nov. 8 in Columbia.

The Dora girls team, which has been ranked first for 11 out of 13 weeks of the season, took first place for the second consecutive year. “After our district performance, this team is ready to do what it takes to battle on Friday and stake claim to a reward that honors all their dedication this year and for the years prior,” said Dora Coach Sheree Nold. “I think this team would agree that the training has been worth it! The girls team has been so consistent this year in closing their 1-5 split times that they look stronger as a team than ever before. Their 1-5 split has ranged from 1:53 to 2:11 towards the last of our season. I believe this is one reason that this team has so much to look forward to come Friday’s state race.”

All six members of the girls team earned all-district honors and qualified to compete at state including sophomore Isabelle Martin who finished second out of 48 runners; sophomore Haley Perkins, fourth; sophomore Kara Anderson, seventh; senior Kayden Jones, 10th; sophomore Kinley Luna, 11th; and senior Chloe Barton, 19th.

The Dora boys team placed a close second at the district meet with Van Buren taking first. The Falcons went into districts with an 18-point gap from first place to second place and with pressure from third-place Bernie High School, who was only one point behind the Falcons, said Coach Nold. “Not only did they close this gap to just 3 points, but they put themselves in a place to envision a possible platform team honor at state this year,” Nold added.

Dora boys who qualified for state include sophomore Daniel Tomlinson, who took second place out of 86 runners. Daniel shaved over a minute and half from last year’s district performance where he placed 23rd. 

Dora senior Cade Nold took third place at districts. Cade, who took third place at the Class 1 state meet last year, came down with a virus earlier in the season, and has been working hard to make a comeback for the district and state runs. “His breathing was still not 100 percent, but much closer and we are thankful for another week of recovery to prepare for his last state race,” said Coach Nold, who is also Cade’s mother.

Other Falcons who earned all-district honors and will compete at the state meet are senior Joshua Nold, eighth; and junior Josiah Ward, 28th. “Josiah made a big jump this week and newcomers Zach Green and Liam Gray have been big contributors of this team, too,” said Coach Nold.

“I couldn’t be happier as a coach to be alongside this group of athletes, students, and young people who exhibit such strength of character,” Nold added. “This has truly been a phenomenal team of students to coach this year. Work ethic is high, team spirit and bonding is strong, and their hearts are full to compete with integrity – and I can say that across the board. Expectations are high!”

Dora is holding a team send-off at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at the school.