Last Saturday, the Boys team advanced to their first State Championship since 1989 and for the first time ever, multiple girls advanced to the meet.

    The Boys entered Saturday, estimated to place 14th by many projection sources. The OATCCC poll ranked Alder 14th.

    Sophomore Luke Malone finished first for Alder, running a 16:53. Sophomore Gavin Frick and senior Jase Headings quickly follow, running just behind Malone.

    Sophomores Michael Gray and Zach Hicks, along with freshmen Brady Corbitt and Caleb Freyhof, rounded out the State qualifying team.

    A loaded Junior High Boys team studded with the three fastest runners in Junior High history hopes to compete at a higher level next season.

    Freshmen Morgan Hicks and Maddie Davis entered Saturday looking to become the highest finishers in Alder history at the State meet.

    Hicks started the race at a quick pace. Hicks was in 8th place for majority of the first mile.

    However, her teammate did the exact opposite, sitting back in the first two miles.

    Hicks placed 46th and Davis placed 56th. The two gained valuable experience the state’s most prestigious meet. A meet the two expect to visit three more times in their high school career.