PRAIRIE GROVE -- Cross country coach Daren Chandler admits the sport is physically demanding and emotionally challenging for the athletes involved, yet appreciates the parental camaraderie.
"I think cross country takes more determination than any other sport," Chandler said. "It's not an easy sport, but it's a fun sport. Cross country is everything that is right in sports. Every parent is cheering for the kid that runs past you."
In 2016, Prairie Grove's Bekah Bostian finished as state-runnerup, placing second overall at the 4A state meet, behind only Gracie Hyde, of Lonoke. Bostain won the 2015 race, ahead of No. 2 Jessica Weiss, of Gosnell; No. 3 Mallory Morris, of Gentry; and No. 4 Brynn Elliott, of Gentry. Bostain is a two-time All-State cross country runner for Prairie Grove.
During the 2016 state meet, several other area runners from the 4A-1 and 4A-4 conferences placed in the top 10 earning All-State honors and showing the growing popularity of long-distance running. This group included: Kendall Hays, of West Fork, third; Samantha Preston, of Berryville, fourth; Skylar Campbell, of Pottsville, fifth; Bernice Garcia, of Gravette, sixth; Shannon Lasey, of Pottsville, eighth; and Lizzy Braswell, of Huntsville, ninth.
For the Tiger boys, Josh Brant placed ninth at the state meet to attain All-State status. Two other runners representing the 4A-1 finished in the top 10, Dakota Fritts, of Huntsville, fourth; and Shaed Cates, of Pea Ridge, was fifth. Heber Springs dominated the state meet led by individual champion and overall first-place runner, Parker Ables. Heber Springs also had the No. 3 runner in Jesse Applewhite; No. 7 Trenton Barnes; and No. 10 Bryce Smith.
Sports on 04/05/2017