CNXC Girls Win Semi-State; Barnett Wins Individual Title

The Columbus North Girls' Cross Country team was victorious Saturday at the Brown County Semi-State with a resounding 59-point margin in victory over runner-up Floyd Central.  Mackenzie Barnett also outdistanced the field individually to win the title, continuing her amazing Senior season.

"The race started off really fast with a few girls from other teams taking the lead early and pushing pace.  That really threw us off a bit but once we caught our breath, it was our turn to take over.  Once Mackenzie took the lead toward the mile mark, she opened up a 7-second lead that stood the rest of the race."

"Lily Baker ran a strong 6th place and was in contention for as high as 3rd for much of the race.  Julie Klaus moved through the field the entire race and had an outstanding race to beat a few girls that she had not beaten this year to this point- finishing 10th overall.  Ellen White had another strong race to finish 13th and really distance herself from a pack behind her.  Brianna Newell then closed out the scoring by finishing 22nd overall to complete a strong team performance.  Jessica Meza and Katherine Rumsey, 6th and 7th respectively on the team, bumped every team's 5th runner back and would have finished 4th of higher for all but on team on Saturday.  That depth is what separated us from the field."

"It is truly a credit to these girls that we have won back-to-back Semi-States.  Their hard work and commitment, along with a good dose of talent, have really paid huge dividends.  We are excited to take on the state meet next week.  This is the meet we pay ourselves back for all the miles we have put in this year."

The IHSAA State Finals will be held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute on Saturday.  The girls race will begin at 11:30 a.m.  The bus is scheduled to leave Columbus at 7:00 a.m. but the schedule is tentative depending on the weather and other needs.  Details will follow on who needs a ticket and how to purchase the tickets ahead of time.