The Emporia High cross country team is set to compete this Saturday at the 5A State Championship at Rim Rock Farm in Lawrence.
The Spartans have qualified as a full team in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions—a major achievement for the program, marking the first time the girls’ squad has qualified as a full team since 2019.
Senior Emma Beatty, who finished third at the sub-state meet in Great Bend last weekend, makes a return trip to state and is thrilled to have her entire team joining her this fall.
Senior Madison Evans is no stranger to the big stage either. This marks her fourth consecutive year qualifying for state, and she brings valuable familiarity with the challenging Rim Rock course.
On the boys’ side, Xaden Delgado is making a return trip to state with high expectations for both his individual performance and the team’s potential.
Walker Metcalf, who claimed a ninth-place finish at sub-state, noted that the Spartans crossed the finish line as underdogs on a mission to prove the doubters wrong.
Race day action at Rim Rock Farm kicks off Saturday morning. The boys will hit the course at 10:35 a.m., followed by the girls at 12:20 p.m.
