GJHS cross country teams run their way to state

GJHS girls and boys cross country teams are qualified for state

Ramona Ripple, Reporter • October 31, 2024

GJHS sophomore Leah Siering, second from left, leads the Tigers to the state cross country meet on Saturday in Colorado Springs. Siering finished second in the regional race to lead all GJ runners.

The Grand Junction High School boys and girls cross country teams both qualified for the state meet for the first time since 1997.

Both teams competed at the state qualifying meet last week and both finished fourth. The state meet will be held in Colorado Springs on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to go to state. I know the whole team has worked really hard for this and I’m very proud of everyone,” said GJHS sophomore Bailey Pommarane.

GJHS sophomore Leah Siering led the girls team at regionals, earning a second-place finish with a time of 19 minutes, 3.5 seconds. Also heading to state are junior Molly Flanagan, sophomores Pommarane and Sarah Richards, and freshmen Lila Garcia, Hannah Morstad and Bennett Parker.

GJHS sophomore Gerardo Gonzalez led the boys team, earning a 10th place finish at Regionals. Also heading to state are seniors Connor Kinser and Bryce Flanagan, junior Zachary Ridpath, sophomore Gabriel Gonzalez, and freshmen Gage Myers and Owen Roper.

“I think the team as a whole is a lot better than last year, we’ve really come together and I’m very appreciative of getting to go to state,” said Kinser.

Surrounding schools including Palisade High School, Central High School, and Caprock Academy will also have runners attending next week’s state meet in Colorado Springs.

The GJHS boys race will begin at 9 a.m. and the girls race will begin at 10:20 a.m. The Tigers compete in Class 4A.

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About the Contributor

Ramona Ripple, Reporter

Ramona is a junior student and takes on the role of a Reporter for the Orange and Black this 2024-25 school year. It’s her second year on the Orange and Black, and she's looking forward to improving her skills and having fun while doing it. She enjoys reading, traveling, and going to concerts.