LAWRENCE — The Great Bend boys’ cross-country team finished ninth at Rim Rock Farm, scoring 219 points at the Class 5A state meet on Saturday afternoon.
Bishop Carroll won the boys’ race with 30 points. St. Thomas Aquinas (64) captured second place, and Mill Valley (104) placed third.
“We were hoping for seventh place,” GBHS head coach Todd Kaiser said, “but 5A is so tough. The boys have nothing to hang their heads about. Anytime you can finish in the top 10 in 5A is something to be proud of.
“We’ve had good senior leadership in both Cristian (Garcia) and Christian (Graham). We’re going to miss them, but we have a lot of good boys coming back next year.”
Garcia finished in the top 20, placing 16th with a time of 16:57 to claim all-state honors.
“I was really happy for Cristian Garcia getting all-state honors like that,” Kaiser said. “It’s a good way to finish his career as a senior.”
Garcia said that he was happy with the time, but he was also happy that it was over.
“I feel pretty good,” Garcia said. “I was relieved (when I crossed the finish line). I think 16:41 is my best time this season, so, yeah, I thought I had a good time, considering how difficult the course is.”
Garcia said he was happy with his team’s performance as well.
“I thought we all did very well,” Garcia said. “We had some pretty good times this year. I think, even losing two seniors, they’re going to do well next year.”
Graham was the Panthers’ No. 2 runner, claiming 32nd with a time of 17:24.
Karen Razo competed in her first state meet for Great Bend.
The freshman turned in a time of 16:47 for 33rd place.
“I was nervous at first, but I got over it,” Razo said. “I feel good. I wanted to do better, but overall, I feel happy with how I did. I’m really looking forward to next year.”
Kaiser said he couldn’t be happier with how Razo competed.
“That was a darn good performance for her,” Kaiser said. “She competed well. She ran a very good time. I’m tickled to death with how she finished. I’m happy for her. Overall, it was a really good day for her.”

                            — Kevin Price

HIGH SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY
Class 5A State Meet

Saturday

At Lawrence
Rim Rock Farm

BOYS

Team scores
1. Bishop Carroll, 30; 2. St. Thomas Aquinas, 64; 3. Mill Valley, 104; 4. Blue Valley Southwest, 110; 5. Liberal, 122; 6. Kapaun Mt. Carmel, 143; 7. Maize South, 183; 8. Topeka Seaman, 191; 9. Great Bend, 219; 10. Newton, 280; 11. Shawnee Heights, 289; 12. Topeka West, 298

Great Bend results
16. Cristian Garcia, 16:57; 32. Christian Graham, 17:24; 71. Cole Mulch, 18:20; 72. Bobby Chavez, 18:21; 88. Eric Vavquez, 19:00; 95. Isaiah Davis, 19:10; 97. Adam Jacobs, 19:12

GIRLS

Great Bend result
33. Karen Razo, 16:47