The girl cross country team’s three year championship reign came to an end at state as they fell just short of Fort Collins High School by five points, making the end score Monarch 118, Fort Collins 113. Monarch sophomore Holly Bent finished fourth with a time of 19:26.80. Other Monarch results included Audrey Lookner, who placed 17th with a time of 20:18.30, Elissa Mann 28th with a time of 20:44.50, Karina Mann 37th with a time of 21:01.00, Liz Hogan 53rd with a time of 21:19.10, Daisy Fuchs 89th with a time of 21:59.20 and Abby Hein with a time of 22:09.20.

“We were definitely grateful in receiving the second place trophy which I think shows a lot about the character of our team,” said Elissa Mann, a senior who has been running cross country since she was a freshman.

The girls aren’t done with their season yet. They’re heading to Regionals in Arizona November 22nd, and they’re racing to place for Nationals.

“We will definitely be entering that meet [the Nike Cross Southwest in Phoenix, Arizona] with a chip on our shoulders and we are ready to redeem ourselves and show what we’re really about.” said Mann.

The Monarch boys cross country team took 13th at State, with a score of 324. Monarch’s best runner was Isaac Green, who placed 11th with a time of 17:13.40. Other results included Ben Hogan, who placed 64th with a time of 18:21.00, Charlie Perry 89th with a time of 18:38.10, Will Dixon 105th with a time of 18:49.00 and Greg Hibl 107th with a time of 18:49.50.

Monarch ran a solid race at State. Good luck and way to be, runners!