The Great Bend High School girls’ and boys’ cross-country teams look to qualify for the Class 5A state meet on Saturday.
GBHS heads to Newton for a regional meet. The girls’ race starts at 2 p.m., with the boys’ race following at 2:30.
“We’ve had a pretty good week of practice,” GBHS head coach Todd Kaiser said. “The kids have been working hard, doing interval work and timing workouts. We’re healthy. I’m pleased with where we’re at right now. All that’s left is going out there and competing.”
Great Bend will be competing against teams from Hays, Maize South, Newton, Salina Central, Salina South, Valley Center and Wichita Heights.
Kaiser said the Panthers have a shot at the top.
“On the boys’ side, I think it will be between us, Maize South and Newton,” Kaiser said. “I think if our boys compete like they have the last few weeks, they have a chance at coming away with a regional title.”
For the Lady Panthers, things will likely be more difficult, according to Kaiser.
“On the girls’ side, it’s a little more stacked,” Kaiser said. “I think Maize South and Valley Center will be battling for first and second. That No. 3 spot can go to anyone from Newton, us, Hays or Salina South. It’s just going to be a matter of who goes after it the hardest.”
Both the boys and the girls have qualified for the state meet as a team the last two years running.
The Panthers placed seventh last year at state with 170 points.
The Lady Panthers finished 10th last season with 259 points.