GHS runners headed to Class 2 state XC meet
Photo/Ryder Murphy Gainesville freshman Jessica Suit took third place and sophomore Archer Luna took ninth place at the Class 2 District 2 meet held in Plato Saturday, which qualified them to compete in the Class 2 state championship meet set for this Friday at Gans Creek in Columbia. Pictured from left, Coach David Murphy, Jessica Suit, physical therapist Anne Kimbrough, Archer Luna and Head Coach Gary Emrick.
The Gainesville Bulldogs cross country team, coached by Gary Emrick and David Murphy, traveled to Plato High School for the Class 2 District 2 championship Saturday, Nov. 2. The state has four districts with 24 schools represented in each district. Each team is allowed up to seven runners to compete. The top 30 individual runners in each district qualify for the state championships held at Gans Creek in Columbia, Missouri Friday, Nov. 8.
Freshman Jessica Suit finished third overall in the girls division at districts. Jessica had a season-best time of 20:09 at the district meet and qualified for the Class 2 Missouri State Championship. “Jessica has competed at a high level all season, earning all-conference honors, winning several races and has earned a very high seeding going into the state championship,” said Coach Gary Emrick. “We expect she will continue this competitive trend on Friday and find her way to All-State Honors, with a very solid chance at a top 10 finish.”
Sophomore Archer Luna finished ninth overall in the boys division with a time of 18:40 and also qualified to compete in the Class 2 Missouri State championship meet in Columbia. “Archer qualified for state last season as a freshman and came into this season on a mission to become stronger, faster and improve on last season’s spectacular performance,” Emrick added. “He has worked hard and stayed focused all season and is ready to make a dent in the Class 2 Boys division this Saturday.”
Archer holds a season- and career-best time of 18:32.
Four seniors finished their Gainesville Bulldog cross country careers with an outstanding effort.
Isaac Pippin is a 4-year letterman with multiple all-conference awards and a personal best time of 18:56. Isaac finished 36th place at districts. “His leadership and personality will be missed in the coming years. Isaac has been a pleasure to coach,” Emrick said.
John Botts-Papke is a 3-year varsity letterman. He finished in 37th place at districts. “John has been rock solid for this team over the years and really found his stride during the senior season,” Emrick said. “John has a season- and career-best time of 19:04. His contagious smile has made the hard days feel easy.”
Alyssa Smith is a 3-year varsity letterman with multiple all-conference honors. “She has been a leader among the girls’ teams over the years,” Emrick said. “Her hard work has built her a solid reputation in the conference and in the area.”
Ryder Murphy is a 4-year varsity letterman with multiple all-conference honors. Ryder qualified for the state championship meet as a junior and was named to the SWCCCA All-Area Team. His career best is 18:09 and he holds the all-time GHS school record. Ryder suffered a non-running related knee injury in the offseason and missed a large part of his senior season. His effort and focus to come back was huge, but time ran out on the season. Ryder finished 45th at districts. “Ryder’s hard work, commitment and leadership has been a great asset to the team,” Emrick said.
“We will miss these four seniors but know the future is bright and in capable hands,” added the coach. “Juniors Kyden Myers, Zeke Yarger and Sarah Klessig had excellent seasons, and we expect their hard work and focus will set the standard for the team next season. Freshman Dylan Ries will continue getting stronger and we look forward to his continued progress next season.”