LAWRENCE — For a few moments on the hills of Rim Rock Farm, Wichita-Trinity’s past and future ran side by side. 

Freshman Tylee Coleman — the newcomer who spent all fall learning from her teammates— surged ahead toward her first state title. Just behind her, senior Emily Hein, the two-time defending champion whose season had nearly been erased by illness, fought to the finish in her final high school race. 

When it was over, the two met again beyond the chute — the freshman who had just arrived, and the senior who had built the path. 

Coleman won the Class 3A girls state championship Saturday in 18 minutes, 27.06 seconds, leading Trinity to a runner-up team finish with 84 points. Hein, running her first and only race of the season, finished second in 19:28.88, adding one more chapter to her decorated career. 

“Coming into high school I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Coleman said. “I knew I had put in a lot of work during the offseason and getting to train with experienced runners like Emily, Brecken, and Milly Jo helped prepare me for what to expect in the season. I wasn’t necessarily expecting to win state, but I knew I could compete at that level.” 

 

For Coleman, the moment of victory didn’t immediately register. 

“When I crossed the finish line it didn’t really sink in that I had won,” she said. “My first reaction was to look for my teammates, and doing so I looked at the board and saw the number 1 next to my name, then I realized I had just won my first state championship.” 

The freshman credited her success to months of summer training and the leadership of Hein and her senior teammates. 

“It was really cool to have Emily back with us again and racing,” Coleman said. “I know this season has been a bit of a challenge for her but it was cool to see her continue to work hard and have a good attitude and end up having a really good race.” 
 

For Hein, the race was about much more than medals. After missing nearly the entire season due to illness, she wasn’t sure she’d even make it to the start line. 

“This has been a very trying season mentally and physically,” Hein said. “I didn’t expect to run at state because the illness I have battled prevented me from running all of October and a good part of September. One week before state I started a medication that enabled me to get out and try running. I still wasn’t sure just a few days before state if I would run, but I really wanted to give it my best shot for my team.” 

Hein’s resilience and gratitude shone through as she crossed the finish line — exhausted but fulfilled. 

“Although it was incredibly challenging physically, and I’ve never felt like that in a race, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to run,” Hein said. “Rim Rock is a special place for me and I will never forget that day.” 

With no expectations for herself, Hein focused only on finishing for her team. 

“I didn’t have a goal for state. I just wanted to help my team in any way,” she said. “I wasn’t sure what my body was capable of doing so I’m very thankful and hopeful. I wouldn’t trade that day for anything. I’ve learned that I can do hard things. I can overcome. God is my strength and will never let me fall. He is faithful.” 

Hein also made sure to celebrate her young teammate’s breakthrough. 

“I’m very excited for Tylee,” she said. “She worked very hard all summer and is an incredible runner. I can’t wait to watch her progress.” 

Trinity senior Brecken Howell finished 21st in 20:34, narrowly missing an individual medal as the Knights placed behind Hesston, which won the team title with 64 points. 

Other top finishers included Reese Quinn (Hesston, 19:37.62), Ashley Lehman (Hesston, 19:44.55), and Piper Brown (Southeast of Saline, 19:57.72). 
 

Class 3A Girls State Meet 

At Rim Rock Farm 

Individual Medalists 

1. Tylee Coleman, Wichita-Trinty, 18:27.06; 2. Emily Hein, Wichita-Trinity, 19:28.88; 3. Reese Quinn, Hesston, 19:37.62; 4. Ashley Lehman, Hesston, 19:44.55; 5. Piper Brown, Southeast of Saline, 19:57.72; 6. Molly Ehrlich, Ellsworth, 19:59.70; 7. Emma Collins, Norton, 20:02.44; 8. Bailey Cameron, West Franklin, 20:04.57; 9. Juliana Parr, Heritage Christian, 20:05.59; 10. Emerson Albright, Frontenac, 20:07.92; 11. Pauly Rockey, Hiawatha, 20:09.17; 12. Abigail Blundell, Cheney, 20:11.34; 13. Emma Cameron, West Franklin, 20:12.36; 14. Avery Larson, Hesston, 20:13.64; 15. Jyntri Wilson, Cimarron, 20:14.37; 16. Kate Miller, Lakin, 20:18.78; 17. Lakyn Beckman, Ellsworth, 20:22.21; 18. Emory Speece, Osage City, 20:28.73; 19. Cera Schenck, Frontenac, 20:30.06; 20. Kaison Miller, Norton, 20:32.58