KatiJo Schaefer, Hailey Derboven, and Kylleen Gibson each made their first appearance in the state championship cross country race on Saturday, while New Franklin senior Mallori Burnett crossed the finish line at Gans Creek for the final time.

Schaefer, a freshman from Glasgow, dealt with some nerves early, but settled down once the race started.

“I just remembered that I made it this far, just to give it my best and run it for fun,” she said.

Schaefer finished 43 out of 165 in the Class 1 race with a time of 23:42.

“I didn’t start as fast as I normally would have,” she said. “I think it hurt me in the long run. Looking back, I could have run a lot faster, but there are three more years that I can try to pull that off.”

For Higbee, Derboven and Gibson finished 100^th and 105^th.

“I was excited that Kylleen and I got to represent the school,” Derboven said.

“The course was really nice, although I felt like the warm weather slowed me down a little bit and kept me from beating my PR.”

The sophomore finished in 25:21, with her freshman teammate, Gibson, just 13 seconds behind.

“I was very nervous, but as soon as the race started, I started feeling good,” Gibson said.

“Me and Hailey stayed together for most of the run, which always helps both of us. The course was kind of hilly and it was a warmer day which affected me. But overall, state cross country was a great experience.”

It was 73 degrees when the starting pistol sounded for the Class 1 girls race at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The warm weather was not ideal for runners, but it was enjoyed by spectators.

"I certainly have never been to the state meet wearing shorts and a t-shirt before,” said New Franklin head coach Adam Quest. 

“It was a wonderful day for running, and it was great to see Mallori Burnett finish her cross country career on such a high note.”

Burnett was back at the state meet for the first time since her freshman season. She was bothered by a sore hip throughout the race and finished 119^th with a time of 25:56.

Burnett’s high school cross country career came to a close when she crossed the finish line at Gans Creek on Saturday.

“It was like a pressure was released off of me because now I don’t have to worry about any more races, but it was also kind of sad because I’m done running for the high school and for Mr. Quest.”

Burnett alone has been the entire girls cross country team at New Franklin for all four years.

“Mallori has put a lot of heart into this program over the last four years,” Quest said. 

“With all of the injuries and adversity she has faced the last several years, there were times I didn't know whether Mallori would be able to finish her career.  To see her not only compete this year, but finish her career at the state meet was something very special. 

“I am very proud of all Mallori has accomplished throughout her career, and I know she will put the same determination into her future endeavors as she has on the course the last four years."