The Lady Wildcats toed the line for the last time this season at Lakeside Golf Course in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Friday, October 29th for the State Cross Country Championship. With junior Riley Sievers home sick and unable to run, the Wildcats pulled up an alternate, freshman Kira Fisk, to take her place. The runners handled the line up change with grace and placed sixth in the state championship field of 15 schools with a total of 205 points- Carlisle's best state meet finish in school history! The Wildcats were a mere six points out of a top-five finish. 

On a beautiful, sunny day to run, senior Ainsley Erzen led the Wildcats for a final time with a season personal record of 19:13. Erzen earned a spot on the porch, placing third to winner, Paityn Noe of Ballard (18:12) and second place finisher, Geneva Timmerman of ADM (19:06). We thank Erzen for her kindness and leadership during her four years as a Wildcat Cross Country runner and wish her the best as she moves on to compete at the University of Arkansas for soccer and track and field. 

Following Erzen to the finish line was sister Tessa Erzen, junior, placing 22nd in a time of 19:57. T. Erzen tied her all-time personal record as she toured the 5K course. Carlisle's third and fourth finishers were sophomores Marie Daggett and Maya Bergstrom with a time of 20:53. Daggett edged out Bergstrom at the line placing 68th while Bergstrom placed 70th. Rounding out the scoring five was freshman Kira Fisk, placing 125th in a lifetime PR of 22:59. Junior Laura Downs was the Wildcat's #6. She placed 129th in a time of 23:19. Hannah McGraw was the final Carlisle finisher, placing 132nd in 23:39. 

The Wildcats lose one senior from their varsity lineup next season and are looking forward to showing off their depth in an effort for a third straight state appearance in the 2022 season. The Wildcat Cross Country programs have become a staple of success in the Carlisle community, with being one of seven teams in the state (in all classes) to have both boys and girls squads finish in the top 7 of the state meet. This is a large testament to the valuable team chemistry, work ethic, and dedication that these teams show day after day. The Carlisle girls cross country team thanks their parents and Wildcat Nation for their support this season.