Cassville Democrat: High School Sports: Runners head to state meet (11/02/06)

State-bound runners The Cassville Ladycat girls cross country team and junior Ryan Hamilton, a member of the Cassville boys' squad, qualified for the state cross country meet in Jefferson City on Saturday following strong performances at districts. The girls finished second overall and will compete at state as a team. In addition, Misty Long, Tia Baker and Ron'L Hoff qualified as individuals with top 15 performances. Hamilton also qualified as an individual by placing 13th at districts. Pictured in the front row, from left, are: Baker, Courtney Beagle and Hoff. Second row: Gabby LeCompte, Gabby Vincent and Cheyann Essley. Third row: Ariell Abramovitz, Hamilton and Long. The team is coached by Chris Shore. Democrat Photo
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The Cassville Ladycat cross country squad has earned a trip to state after finishing second as a team at district competition.

Cassville runners finished with 51 points behind Carl Junction with 39. Clinton placed third with 60 points.

Junior Misty Long, sophomore Tia Baker and junior Ron' L Hoff medaled in 11th, 12th and 14th place respectively. Long finished the race in 21:54, Baker clocked a 21:55 and Hoff crossed the finish line in 22:19.

Other top Ladycat runners included: sophomore Courtney Beagle, 18th place, 22:44; sophomore Ariell Abramovitz, 21st, 23:01; freshman Gabby Vincent, 25th, 23:36; and junior Gabby LeCompte, 27th, 23:44. Sophomore Cheyann Essley will attend the state meet as an alternate.

Junior Ryan Hamilton will join the girls' squad at state as the Wildcats' lone medalist at districts. Hamilton placed 13th with a time of 17:55.

"I am really proud of our kids," said Coach Chris Shore. "They stepped up and ran well, and it was especially nice after our disappointing performance at conference.

"This is quite an accomplishment, considering we bumped up to Class 3 this season," added Shore.

Other schools who competed at the Class 3, District 6 meet held last Saturday were Carl Junction, Clinton, McDonald County, Carthage, Nevada, Pleasant Hill, Webb City and Harrisonville.

The state track meet will be held at Oak Hills Golf Course in Jefferson City this Saturday.