The Cañon City High School Cross Country Girls team and Boys Nathan Pontious competed in the 4A Colorado State Cross Country Championship on Saturday.

Pontious - 16:51 - placed 31st out of 157 individual runners in the boys' division. The girls' team placed 20th as a team.

Alissa Rall - 21:41
Alexi Till - 23:03
Sydney Baxter - 23:08
Macy Paschall - 24:03
Julia Nelson - 25:34
Pauline Cox - 27:49
Emily Till - 29:31

"This was a tough race and the competition was fierce," said Marcy Epperson, head coach for both teams. "But, our girls stood strong and continued all the way to the finish. I am so proud of their determination to run against the best in the state. It was a huge learning curve with the humble realization of what a championship race feels like. I'm glad Alissa, Alexi, Macy, and Pauline were able to participate, since I have them for a few more years and can help them mentally prepare for the competition again."

She also gave kudos to Pontious who has stayed consistent with his 16:51 finish, which is excellent considering he was racing against Niwot and Cheyenne Mountain who are ranked second and third in the nation, she said.

"I am so proud of his accomplishments throughout his high school career and can't wait to see what the future holds for him at the collegiate level," Epperson said. "It has been a wonderful season, and I am always blessed to work with amazing kids year after year."