Cardinals Wins Third Place at State Cross Country Championship

By Editor | November 13, 2024

The South Shelby Cardinals finished third overall in the Class 2 Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, November 8, 2024, at Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia.

The Cardinals finished with a team score of 136. Woodland was first with a score of 89, while Elsberry was second with 109.

Boys’ Race

With impressive top finishes by Noah Wilt and strong support from his teammates, the South Shelby runners showcased their depth and resilience at the championships.

The South Shelby boys’ team delivered solid, consistent performances. Wilt was the team’s top finisher with a 17:49.80, securing 17th place and winning a medal. Beau Mason followed with an 18:21.50 for 37th place. Cooper Seaton ran an 18:28.60 for 44th place. Titus Moore and Schyler Mason crossed closely behind, finishing 60th and 64th with times of 18:47.60 and 18:57.10, respectively. Rounding out the South Shelby boys’ roster, Maxwell Mason finished 140th with 21:07.10, and Caden Stevenson completed the course in 23:48.90 for 156th place.

“The boys’ team decided after missing a chance to take home a State Championship trophy in 2023, that they were going to bring one home this year,” said Head Coach Desirae O’Neal.

The team will lose their two seniors, Noah Wilt and Titus Moore. They have been a crucial part of the team and will be missed and hard to replace.

“Moving forward, they will have to stay active and keep running to stay in shape and be ready to compete again next year,” said Coach O’Neal. “They need five to make a team, and with Cooper Seaton, Beau Mason, Schyler Mason, Maxwell Mason, and Caden Stevenson returning, they will have to work hard and encourage each other to be in their best shape to capture another chance to compete at the state level.

Girls’ Race

Samentha Koper led the South Shelby girls with a time of 21:24.80, earning 32nd place in a strong field.

“A trip to the State Championship is always a great way to end our cross country season! Sam had a good run considering the weather conditions,” said Coach O’Neal. “I was proud of her before the race started no matter how she placed.”

She raced against 165 girls to place 32nd in Class 2 at the state meet.

“That’s an amazing accomplishment! She has already made it a goal to medal at the state meet in 2025,” said Coach O’Neal. “I have no doubt that she will make it there.”

The team will bring back Kylee Barton and Jordyn Hunolt next year. They are hopeful and want to compete as a girls’ team by gaining a couple more girls next year.

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