Fayette runners raced with the best at the GHSA State Cross Country Championships.

The Class 4A competitions featured a host of strong showings from Starr’s Mill, Whitewater, and Fayette County.

The Lady Panthers finished 2nd overall, and the boys placed 3rd. The Lady Panthers placed seven runners in the top 50: Kendra Ivaska (8th), Ana Miller (11th), Andrea Ramos (16th), Addison Kluttz (23rd), Allison Moore (27th), Kaylee Macoy (29th), and Gabriella Roach (32nd). The Starr’s Mill boys placed five runners in the top 50: Diego Ramos (5th), Nate Pacetti (18th), Cannon McFall (25th), Bankson Roach (27th), and Chase Griswold (31st).

The Lady Wildcats placed 6th, and the Whitewater boys placed 22nd. The Lady Wildcats placed four runners in the top 50: Taylor Tarpley (10th), Jayla Fouse (18th), Brianna Valadao (21st), and Olivia Leskusky (42nd). Zackery Valadao was the top finisher for the boys in 99th.

The Fayette County boys finished 23rd, and the Lady Tigers finished 26th. Allen Israel Sulton IV was the top finisher for the boys in 83rd, and Nhi Tran was the top finisher for the girls in 62nd.

In Class 5A, McIntosh had a strong showing. The Lady Chiefs were runner-up, and the boys finished 10th. The Lady Chiefs had six runners finish in the top 25: Noelle Sullivan (4th), Kirsten Rose (11th), Madeline Abbott (17th), Madison Stoots (20th), Sydney Maranzano (24th), and Maddie Will (25th). Landon Clisham was the top finisher for the boys, coming in 31st.

In Class 3A, the Sandy Creek boys finished 18th overall. Avery Moran was their top finisher in 44th place.

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