The Carlisle girls cross country team competed in the IGHSAU state championship race on Friday, October 30 at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Ft. Dodge. Though previously ranked 15th, the Wildcats finished the race in 13th place. Winning the meet was fellow RRC powerhouse, Ballard. The state runner-up was Dallas Center-Grimes, and the third place finisher was Solon. This race was certainly history-making for our Wildcats. The Wildcat girls' state appearance was the first in 39 years fpr Carlisle, and the first ever as a 5k race. In addition, it was the first time the boys and girls squads qualified to run at state together. On the individual side of things, junior Ainsley Erzen ran to her best finish at the state meet, placing third in 18:46. Sister Tessa Erzen placed 43rd, Marie Daggett placed 63rd, Maya Bergstrom placed 73rd, Laura Downs placed 90th, Riley Sievers placed 100th, and Ella Andersen placed 101st. This squad finished seventh at the state qualifying meet in 2019, only to turn around in a year full of adversities and end up the 13th best 3A team in the state.

The team would like to thank the Carlisle Police Department, Carlisle Fire Department, Darin Schreck, Vicki Born and our Wildcat parents and community members who came out to support our accomplishment and our season. Wildcat Nation is one of the best! Lastly, the team would like to thank senior Ella Andersen for her commitment to this team and for her leadership and friendship. She played a huge role in building this program during her tenure as a CHS runner. Her warm and tenacious heart has changed our program for the better! Congratulations on a great four years, Ella- Forever a Wildcat!!