Emery Larson is a state cross-country champion for the second straight year. The Chester sophomore finished first in the ‘B’ girls race on Saturday afternoon at Yankton Trails Park in Sioux Falls with a time of 18:21.47.
It was a sizeable win for Larson as she finished ahead of second place Ella Boekelheide of Northwestern by about 36-seconds.
“It feels so great to be a defending champ,” Larson stated. “This whole week, me and my parents have just, honestly been kind of nervous, but so excited, so ready for this day to come.”
Emery Larson of Chester goes back-to-back in ‘B’ girls. #SDPreps #SDCrossCountry23 pic.twitter.com/WiFmLfn9R1
— SDPB Sports (@SDPBSports) October 21, 2023
Larson mentioned that her strategy coming into this year’s state meet was different than that of her freshman year.
“I just wanted to start out relaxed, because I knew that if I went out so fast… I went out pretty fast last year, and I couldn’t contain it the entire race,” she explained. “I knew I couldn’t do that this year, so my goal was just be relaxed the first mile. Once I hit mile two, just go, get up those hills, down those hills, and sprint it out.”
After the race, Larson took some time to soak in the moment. With tears in her eyes, she began to celebrate her impressive achievement.
“I’ve just worked countless hours. Cross-country and track are, I don’t want to say my life, but kind of my life, and I just love running so much, and the feeling it gives me,” said Larson. “I just thank my parents and [coach Julie] Eppard for every opportunity they give me, because I couldn’t do it without them and God.”
This year, Chester Area also qualified for state cross country as a team. The Flyers finished fourth overall in the team standings for girls Class B. Potter County won the ‘B’ girls team title, Arlington placed second, and Lemmon came in third.
For complete results of the entire meet, click here.
