LAWRENCE — There would be no suspense this time. No anxious glances at the scoreboard. No waiting to see if a single point would decide it all. 

The Hesston girls cross country team made sure their second straight Class 3A state championship was clear and convincing. A year removed from a one-point thriller over Wichita-Trinity, the Swathers dominated the field Saturday at Rim Rock Farm, cruising to a 20-point victory with 64 points to once again stand atop the podium. 

"This win meant so much to all of us," Hesston head coach Nealee Johnston said. "The amount of work these girls put in not just during our regular season, but during the off season as well was tremendous. They worked toward a common goal of not just getting back to state, but winning it again. They didn't win by one point like last year but by 20. 

Hesston’s title defense was built on balance and consistency. The Swathers placed three runners among the individual medalists, led by junior Reese Quinn, senior Ashley Lehman, and sophomore Avery Larson. All three delivered memorable performances to give Hesston the inside track early in the race and never let go. 
 

Quinn, who’s been among the top finishers in every meet this season, said the repeat was the culmination of confidence and chemistry as the Hesston junior finished third overall in 19:37.

"It means so much to me and my team," Quinn said. "We work so hard all season and it is amazing to see it pay off and get the best reward we could ask for. I’m so thankful for my team and our supporters. This victory is even more unbelievable. I still can’t believe it, but I’m so proud of all the girls and the way they preformed at state. It was incredible."

Lehman, a Nebraska commit and multi-time state track champion, said the team’s preparation started long before the first meet. 

“Right after last year’s state race, we were already setting goals for this season,” Lehman said. “We worked hard during the summer to set ourselves up for the season. We all knew we could do it but we also knew that we would have a target on our back with a lot of talent from other schools."

Lehman delievered a strong performance in her final cross country meet as she finished fourth in 19:44. As for Larson, she also earned a state medal in 14th in 20:13

Behind Hesston’s front three, Josie Heinrichs (22nd, 20:39) narrowly missed a medal but delivered one of her best performances. Mary O’Halloran (49th, 21:48) and Brenley Schmidt (51st, 21:53) rounded out the scoring as all three had personal best times, helping solidify the Swathers’ cushion. 

Johnston said the team’s ability to peak at the right time made all the difference. 

“The girls' overall performance was incredible,” Johnston said. “They knew they needed to come out and give everything they had. Five of the six ran a season best time and three of them had a personal record time at state. Clearly, the state meet is an optimal time to peak in the season.” 

For Lehman, who closes her high school cross country career as a two-time team champion, the moment was both joyful and bittersweet. 

“Hesston cross country has definitely been my favorite part of high school so far,” she said. “The team aspect of the sport is so much fun and I have been able to make some of my best friends through cross country. We like to spend time with each other outside of practice and races which I believe is part of the reason why we had so much success this season.
 

And while Lehman hands off the baton to the next generation, Quinn believes the foundation is solid for another run. 

“I can’t wait to see what next year brings as a senior,” Quinn said. “Although we are losing one girl, I have faith that we can win it again. We have the grit and determination.” 

Class 3A Girls State Meet 

At Rim Rock Farm 

Team Scores 

Hesston 64, Wichita-Trinity 84, Cheney 94, Norton 157, Hiawatha 166, Scott Community 171, Ellsworth 171, Minneapolis 182, Heritage Christian 189, Frontenac 193, Holton 241, Girard 244