LAWRENCE — Bella Long (19:54.62) placed 25th to lead Great Bend's girls (193 points) to eighth place in the 5A girls state cross country championship. 

Also counting for the Panthers in the team score were 31st Sienna Smith, 20:08.53; 41st Marissa Boone, 20:22.88; 59th Teah King, 21:21.34; and 73rd Kate Welcher, 21:49.54.Reece Bullard was unable to finish when she slipped on the wet course. Boone and Welcher graduate.

"The girls competed well, as they did all year," said Great Bend coach Lyles Lashley. "We're excited about the future. Our younger girls did some nice things. We're looking to continue the momentum next year."   

Salina Central's Katelyn Rupe (17:09.8) captured her third consecutive 5A state cross country title in rainy weather with muddy racing conditions. Lenexa St. James (77) defended its state title to edge Wichita Kapaun-Mt. Carmel (93) for the girls team title.

Great Bend's Tavon Stroup (16:47.48) placed 26th in the boys division. Stroup improved 30 seconds from last year's 50th-place finish despite the poor running conditions.

"Tavon ran a smart race," Lashley said. "He ran a great race that sets him up for his senior year."  

5A LAWRENCE RIM ROCK

8TH—GREAT BEND GIRLS—25—Bella Long, 19:54.62; 31—Sienna Smith, 20:08.53; 41—Marissa Boone, 20:22.88'; 59—Teah King, 21:21.34; 73—Kate Welcher, 21:49.54; 81—Samantha Neegard, 22:02.06

GREAT BEND BOYS—26—Tavon Stroup, 16:47.48