The varsity cross country boys marked their return to the PIL by winning the league championship on a rain-soaked course at Franklin Oct. 22. It was their second consecutive title, after claiming the Metro championship last year. Lincoln scored 34 points, outdistancing second-place Wilson, who came in with 72 points.

Pacing the Cardinals, as he did throughout the season, was senior Ron Graham, who slogged through the muddy 5000-meter course to take second in 16:39. Lincoln put four runners in the Top 10, including junior Adin Becker (4th – 16:50.1),  sophomore Dominic Arce (6th – 16:52.7), and junior Joe Kortenhof (10th – 17:05.2). Also qualifying for state were junior Pierce Miller (12th – 17:06.8), junior Ransom Gravatt (13th – 17:07), and junior Jose Aguilar (22nd – 17:39.9).

The JV boys nearly swept their division with a low score of 17 points, followed by Wilson with 58. Josiah Langstaff claimed the district title in a time of 17:30.3. He was chased to the finish line by a flock of Cardinals, led by junior Avi Meyer (2nd – 17:38), senior Dylan Ludiker (3rd – 18:03.5), and junior Harry Thoma (4th – 18:14.3). Also finishing in the Top 10 were junior Henry Guinn (7th – 18:26) and sophomore Carson Cohn (8th – 18:36.7).

Varsity and JV girls had a tougher day, with both teams finishing fourth in their divisions. Leading the varsity and qualifying for state was sophomore Annika Steele (9th – 20:27.12). Also finishing in the Top 20 was senior McKenzie Hutchinson (11th – 20:46.8), and freshman Kerry Horton (19th – 21:24.4). Freshman Anya Jesson led the JV girls with a ninth-place finish in a time of 21:50.4. Other Cardinals in the Top 20 were junior Emery Roberts (16th – 22:32.3, and freshman Abby Taylor (18th – 22:40.3).

The state meet will be held at Lane Community College on Nov. 1.

Click here for complete district meet results: http://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/Results/Meet.aspx?Meet=92841#210