LIBERAL — Great Bend Middle School runner Kaiden Esfeld finished off a perfect two-year run through the Western Athletic Conference.

Esfeld started at a measured pace, before quickly outdistancing the field to win the WAC middle school cross country championship by 37 seconds. Esfeld (10:42.2) finished his middle school career undefeated. 

“From the beginning of the season I felt we had a great team,” Esfeld said. “Throughout the season, we had our ups-and-downs, but we kept our goals in focus. We did great things with the help of our coaches, families and friends.” 

In the girls race, Great Bend Middle School runner Haley McCormick placed fourth (13:19.5) as she secured a top 10 finish in all of her races this year.  

“This was a great year for the team,” said Haley McCormick. “We all pushed each other to run faster and we improved every time we raced.”

Reagan Huslig with a personal best finished in ninth place with a time of 13:56.7. 

WAC CHAMPIONSHIP

8TH GRADE BOYS—1—Kaiden Esfeld, 10:42.2; 38—Brendyn Schroeder, 15.02.2; 41—Carlos Herrera, 16.44.9.

8TH GRADE GIRLS—4—Haley McCormick, 13:19.5; 9—Reagan Huslig, 13:56.7; 28—Anna Campbell, 15:35.2.