Two Republic runners took different paths to the same destination at the Class 5 District 2 cross country meet in Bolivar. For senior Gracie Troester, it was a fourth consecutive state qualification despite an injury-shortened season. For sophomore Catherine Wilson, it was a dramatic finish to earn her first trip to state.
Troester, competing in just her third race of the season due to patellar tendinitis, finished sixth overall with a time of 19:24.47.
Wilson crossed the line in 29th place at 20:33.99, securing her spot at state. “Beginning of the season, I would have never guessed I would make it,” she said. “I’m just so happy I get to do it, and I get to run with Gracie.”
Their dual state qualification – one expected, one unexpected – is our Performance of the Week.
