After finishing in the top four teams in the Western Region Championships, Polk County High School’s Men’s Cross Country team qualified for the state championships.

The Wolverines raced in the NCHSAA Cross Country State Championships on Nov. 3 in Kernersville, N.C. With its first team appearance since 2005, all Polk runners posted personal bests and finished seventh overall out of 20 AA teams.

The following made the Top 7 team, the maximum allowed to compete per team: Junior Jacob Collins lead the Wolverines with a 17:03 5K performance and finished 24th overall.

Senior Chip Collins ran 17:06 and was 25th. Polk’s fabulous four freshmen: Sean Doyle 17:47, Daniel Painter 18:45, Jake Russell 18:54, and Jacob Wolfe 18:55, all gained invaluable “big race” experience along with sophomore Eli Hall who ran 19:27.

The Wolverines are coached by J. Alan Peoples, Jenny Wolfe and Cathy Elliott.  The team sends out a big thank you to volunteer coaches Dewayne Elliott and Jim McGrane and parent volunteers who strengthened the Wolverine Cross Country family.  Indoor track will begin after school Friday, Nov. 16 at PCHS track. All athletes must have a current physical to participate.

– article submitted by Jenny Wolfe