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"Course conditions were less than ideal, but they were less than ideal for everyone," said Washington Coach Mike Olszowka. "Our kids did an excellent job of coping with the conditions."
Representing Washington and qualifying for state competition were Lauren Guasto, Celia Venezia and Megan Wood in the girls race and Brandon Jackson in the boys race.
The Washington runners put their focus on finishing in the top 30 and advancing to the state meet.
"This time of year is all about places," Olszowka said. "Times become secondary, especially with the conditions we've been dealing with."
Guasto was the top finisher for Washington. She crossed the finish line in 12th place in a time of 21:14.
Venezia finished 21st in 21:28.
Wood placed 22nd in 21:32.
Parkway Central's Emily Sisson won the girls race in 18:58.
In the boys race, Jackson finished 21st in a time of 17:57.
Parkway Central's Kevin Krumrey won the race in 17:12.
The top four teams and the state qualifiers on the girls side were Eureka with 79 points, Kirkwood with 89, Lindbergh with 93 and Jackson with 106.
The top four teams and the state qualifiers on the boys side were Parkway West with 55 points, DeSmet with 70, Marquette with 83 and Lindbergh with 96.
The state cross country meet runs Saturday at Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City.
Guasto, Venezia and Wood compete in the Class 4 girls race at 11:30 a.m.
Jackson runs in the Class 4 boys race at 12:45 p.m.
The top 25 finishers in each race earn state medals.
"Our kids are finally getting back to full strength. We lost about ten days due to illness and recovery," Olszowka said. "The kids have given themselves an opportunity to compete for another week."
