Cross-country competitor qualifies for state tourney

The Mountain Home Tigers will have a runner competing at the 4A State Cross Country Meet in Idaho Falls this Saturday.

Freshman Anthony DeSantis finished 15th at last Thursday's district meet at Eagle Island State Park to qualify for the state meet. His time was a season best at 17 minutes, 11.28 seconds.

The Tiger boys finished eighth at District. Bishop Kelly was first, with 51 points, Nampa second (63); Middleton third (83), Columbia fourth (90), followed by Kuna (128), Skyview (150), Emmett (212), Mountain Home (215) and Caldwell (217).

Other Mountain Home runners were Jordan Klein (18:45.48), Josh Robinson (19:04.42), Andy Croft (19:44.85), Nolan Pasqualetti (19:54.84) and Riley Urquidi (22:21.42).

Bishop Kelly also won the girls race with 55 points.Skyview was second with 75, Emmett third with 78, and Nampa fourth with 108. Middleton was next (112), followed by Caldwell (124), Kuna (139), Columbia (231) and Mountain Home (234).

Elisabeth Stephens led the Mountain Home girls with a time of 21:59.80 for 23rd place. Shilo Clark ran a 23:58.55, Tracey Gordon finished with a time of 24:48.65, Andrea Dickenson ran a 25:36.98 and Bianca Shrader finished with a 28:22.59.

Coach Doug Root was pleased with their efforts at the district meet, especially with DeSantis' effort.

"He ran very well, and as a whole we ran well that day. I can't complain. The boys moved up into eighth place -- we've been in ninth place all year long -- so the boys ran well. Elisabeth Stephens was really impressive -- she ran 23rd and the top 21 go. She was eight seconds away, so overall it was a good season."

The State 4A Cross Country meet is Saturday in Idaho Falls.