PCA’s XC Teams Battled Sickness and Weather at State Meet

PCA’s Cross Country teams overcame significant obstacles to compete in the 3A state meet this weekend, and through it all, the teams showed great character and perseverance. Student-athletes battled flu and sickness leading up to the meet and less-than-ideal conditions on race day with torrential rain, and a deteriorating course full of mud and standing water that only got worse as runners in the classification heats continued to slip and slide through the 3.1 miles.

Despite the challenges, PCA’s teams ran well, with the girls’ team placing sixth overall with eight runners and the boys’ team finishing 13th overall with only six runners. The girls’ team set a new school record for the highest finish at an AHSAA state meet, moving up from a 13th-place finish in 2021.

Ethan Green ’28 set a new personal record of 20:37, and Brysen Pugh ’26 also PR’d at 21:00. Ally Blankinchip ’25 set a PR in her first XC appearance of 23:34 – an average of 7.5 minutes per mile. More than medals, these teams were commended for their concern of others. “They were more concerned about their fellow teammates’ health and ability to race than anything else,” said Scott Schumpert, head coach.

Congratulations to both teams on a great season!