LAWRENCE — A year ago, Shawnee Mission East’s Charlotte Hardy was just three seconds away from being a state champion. On Saturday, the junior didn’t let anyone stand in her way.
Hardy stormed to the Class 6A girls state cross country title at Rim Rock Farm, clocking in at 18 minutes, 23.50 seconds to win by 14 seconds and cap off a dominant season — one in which she broke the school record and led the Lancers nearly all fall.
“It is definitely something I have been working towards and dreaming of for awhile,” Hardy said. “I was really close last year getting runner-up, so it feels really good to finally get it done.”
Hardy, who finished second to Junction City’s Linden Pickler a year ago, said that result motivated her throughout the offseason.
“Finishing runner-up definitely fueled me in the offseason,” Hardy said. “I remember last season’s race where I kicked it in and almost got it. Ever since then I have been thinking about it, and I knew this year I could come back even stronger.”
From the opening stretch Saturday, Hardy ran with patience, sitting with the front pack through the first mile before making her move midway through the race.
Shawnee Mission East's Charlotte Hardy gets out in front to start the Class 6A state championship race Saturday at Rim Rock Farm.
“I am happy that I stayed patient through the first mile,” she said. “I just tried to build through it and see where it took me. I just wanted to stay strong. When I finally made my move, I expected more people to come with me, so I was surprised I was on my own for that long, but it felt good.”
Her familiarity with Rim Rock — where Shawnee Mission East races at least twice each season — proved valuable in the biggest race of the year.
“It is nice that we run Rim Rock a lot with it being our state meet,” Hardy said. “I am very experienced on this course. Honestly, for whatever reason, it just felt like the course went by really fast. I was going up Cemetery Hill and then I realized I was almost done and it surprised me a little. It was fun to run today.”
Hardy’s victory also helped lead Shawnee Mission East to a runner-up team finish with 81 points — improving from third place a year ago — behind only Manhattan’s 61.
“We are all very happy about it,” Hardy said of the team’s performance. “We all show up to practice every day and we all get to run together, and we have a great dynamic. So coming out there and getting to prove our place in the state is really fun.”
SM East coach Mallory Dittemore said Hardy’s championship run was the culmination of years of dedication.
“Being able to see Charlotte capture the 6A title was magical to say the least,” Dittemore said. “Her work ethic is astounding, and this has been a goal for her since she joined our program. Seeing kids’ aspirations come to life is the best part of coaching, so Saturday was a special day that I will remember forever.”
The Lancers also got key performances from senior Chloe Swan, who placed 10th in 19:16.28, and sophomore Lyla Speicher, who finished 11th in 19:18.53.
“Chloe Swan had the race of her life on Rim Rock, and she really made the difference in us capturing second place or going home with nothing,” Dittemore said. “Her senior leadership leading into state was something special to see; she left it all on the course and in my opinion, it was the perfect way for her to go out.”
Dittemore credited her squad for battling through adversity to reach the podium again.
“My girls have worked extremely hard and faced a lot of adversity this season with injury, so I'm glad that we were able to pull it together when it mattered most and bring home some hardware,” she said. “Hats off to Manhattan as they are a tough team, and going undefeated as a 6A team is impressive to say the least.”
Hardy, meanwhile, plans to savor the moment before turning her attention to the next challenge.
“I really want to stay in the moment and enjoy this,” she said. “But I am definitely excited for what is to come. I am really excited for track as well, so I just want to keep improving and see where it takes me.”
Olathe South's Ani Allen sprints to the finish line in her state runner-up finish Saturday in Lawrence.
Class 6A Girls State Meet
At Rim Rock Farm
Individual Medalists
1. Charlotte Hardy, Shawnee Mission East, 18:23.50; 2. Ani Allen, Olathe South, 18:47.22; 3. Gabrielle Converse, Manhattan, 18:51.49; 4. Kate Larson, Blue Valley West, 18:57.31; 5. Molly DeGregorio, Olathe West, 19:00.22; 6. Audrey Howard, Mill Valley, 19:07.44; 7. Zara Koehn, Manhattan, 19:07.64; 8. Nelly Puente, Wichita North, 19:01.93; 9. Isla Spreer, Manhattan, 19:14.77; 10. Chloe Swan, Shawnee Mission East, 19:16.28; 11. Lyla Speicher, Shawnee Mission East, 19:18.53; 12. Paige Faulkner, Blue Valley, 19:19.96; 13. Bentley Blunck, Blue Valley West, 19:22.67; 14. Taylor Hulcher, Free State, 19:33.14; 15. Andie Strathman, Manhattan, 19:33.30; 16. Karsyn Hitchcock, Olathe North, 19:34.57; 17. McKenna Taldo, Olathe West, 19:34.76; 18. Kylie Page, Blue Valley, 19:39.61; 19. Brittney Betancourt, Shawnee Mission North, 19:43.57; 20. Olivia Springer, Dodge City, 19:46.78
Blue Valley West' Kate Larson medaled fourth overall Saturday.