KIMBALL, SD — Even days after hoisting the trophy, the Kimball/White Lake girls cross country team still can’t believe they won the state championship.

However, this victory confirmed the Wildkats’ theme of “chasing a vision” since the beginning of the year.

Ahead of Alli McCord’s fourth-place finish and Lily Baker’s fifth-place finish, the Wildkats won the Class B girls cross country team championship over Ipswich and Northwestern. Combined with the boys’ seventh-place finish at state, KWL also won the combined Class B state title.

Seeing everything for the team come together when it mattered most was a joyful experience for everyone involved on the team, demonstrating the strong relationships everyone has built over the year.

“It’s a great feeling to see these athletes work towards their individual and team goals throughout the year and see them come to fruition in the most important competition of the season,” said coach- KWL leader, Stephanie McCord. “Winning a state title is something that stays with a person forever and is always a surreal moment to reflect on.”

It was the third state title in as many tries for the Class B girls team, also winning the cross country state crown in 2020 and 2021. From 2022 to 2023, KWL competed in class A, which presented a learning curve and apprehension of competing with new individuals and new teams.

After a 12th place finish at state in 2022, where much of the year was spent in unknowns, the Wildkats bounced back in 2023 to earn a fifth place finish, bringing new confidence as well as enthusiasm to the team when he returns to class. Competition B.

“Last year’s podium gave our team hope that we can compete well when we return to Class B this season,” McCord said. “They knew it wouldn’t be an easy task, but they were excited to take on the challenge, and competing in the same races was a welcome familiarity for everyone.”

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A major reason for the girls’ success was the emergence of Baker, who served as the Region 3B girls’ individual champion as part of the Wildkats, taking four of the top five spots to win the team championship. She also won the Burke Invite on October 3 and had four second places.

Developing a game plan for each race also demonstrated the work ethic that has been a constant source of growth during Baker’s competitive period.

“Lily pushed herself to a new level at a critical time when a teammate was facing setbacks,” McCord said of Baker. “The results she achieved helped build her confidence and gave her the courage to create various racing strategies specific to the elements and competitors of each competition, leading her towards whatever goals she sets. “

By the time state rolled around, the KWL roster knew they were going to be a contender and had a chance to win the team championship. With many variables always present at competitions, especially at Hart Ranch Resort where the competition took place, the coaches’ message to the team was simple: trust yourself and their training, and you will be fine.

“Our runners consistently tell us that their successes are a reflection not only of the physical effort they put into their sport, but also of the value they place on it,” McCord said. “And the respect they give to their relationships with their teammates and the individual successes of their teammates.

Blake Durham is a sports reporter for the Mitchell Republic, which he joined in October 2023. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in December 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Durham covers a variety of prep and college sports in the area.