The Columbia Lady Eagle Cross Country team became the first team in school history to win the Cahokia Conference Championship.  Finishing 5 runners in the top 10, runners awarded “All-Conference” honors included Taylor Byrd (2nd), Torey Byrd (3rd), Carly Evans (4th), Ashley Hrdlicka (8th), and Chelsea Hagan (10th).  Awesome job ladies and good luck at Regionals!

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The boys cross country team finished 5th in the Conference Championships and were led by Trevor Wood, Ben Riggins, Matt Chkautovich, Zeke Sexauer, and Philip Crouse.  Well done guys!

The Eagles compete at the Regional Cross Country Championships next Saturday, Oct. 20th, at Sparta.

Girls - That was the first time we have won conference in school history and the first time anyone has beaten Freeburg in a long time at Conference.  With 35 girls on their team, they are tough to beat.  I told my girls I wanted our top 5 runners in the top 15 and if we could put 5 in the top 10 that would be stellar.  They rose to the ocassion and never cease to amaze me.  They wanted to win badly and they showed that with the results.  This win is just a stepping stone for the Championship races to come.  Again, if we can mend a few niggling injuries we will do just fine in the post-season.

Taylor Byrd went for the win from the start.  I love her tenacity and drive.  She could excel in underwater basket weaving if she wanted to.  She was just out-kicked in the last 100 meters by a better runner ON THE DAY.  Her time was great and I suspect her times will continue to drop as we start to taper down our training.

Boys – I would have loved Trevor Wood in the top 10.  He finished in 11 ^th by just a couple of seconds.  He is running phenomenal for a Freshman.  Ben Riggins also had a pretty good race.  His times continue to drop as the season progresses.