Sunny skies, green grass temperatures in the upper 60's and low 70's; a great day for State Track Finals. Only it wasn't May and it wasn't track. The 2009 Cross Country State Finals at Detweiller featured great weather, at least for spectating. For running, it was a little warmer than the runners were used to. Overcoming weather, whether cold and snowy or warm and windy is what Cross Country is all about. The Turks responded to the challenge Saturday finishing 11th in the State. That's right, both the girls and the boys team finished the season 11th.

There were lots of individual stories on Saturday. Hannah trying to overcome mono. Kristen trying to overcome mono and pneumonia. Chris trying to stay conscious. Jamee trying to become an All-Stater for the second year in a row. Would Cole keep his shoes on? Or avoid a sideache? How would the boys team respond the first year without Parker? Would Katie's ankles hold out? Would Hope continue to surge? Would Selah's times continue to improve faced with her first trip to State? Would Hannah F. be able to step up another level? Would Little Matte and Korey finish their senior year with their best effort? Would Taylor and Sam be able to beat "The Triangle"? And would Austin even be able to finish because of his recent battles staying healthy?

You can find out the answers to all these questions on Thursday, November 19th when we have our annual Cross Country end of season banquet. Be sure to mark your calendars because you won't want to miss this event!

For pictures from Saturday's meet, click here.