The Ouray-Ridgway-Silverton combined cross country middle school girls’ team swept the state championships held at Fehringer Ranch Park in Denver on Oct. 21.

The middle school girls’ cross country team won first place at state. Pictured here with their trophies and medals are: Front row from left to right: Macey Cornell, Bailey Thompson and Cameron Skoloda. In the back row from left to right are: Mikayla Hirt, Emery Cornell, Natasha Hessler, Marin Emilson and Ariel Hessler.
Photo by David Emory

The top finisher for the girls’ team was Natasha Hessler, with a time of 14:41. Her twin sister, Ariel, finished in 14th place with a time of 15:04.

Photo by David Emory

Sisters Emery Cornell (15th) and Macey Cornell (17th) finished next in the group, followed by Cameron Skoloda (29th), Marin Emilson (39th) and Mikayla Hirt (57th). There were a total of 165 racers and the Ouray girls’ team won first with 80 points, followed by Salida Middle School with 147 points.

Photo by David Emory

The middle school boys’ team finished in fifth place overall in the 3500-meter run.

Photo by David Emory

Photo by David Emory