By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel qualified for the Class 1A girls state cross-country meet as a team, and Saturday the Bluebirds medaled as a team, placing fourth at Wamego.

Five of Goessel’s seven runners set their best times of the season, with the four best times counting toward the team score. Jen Meysing came in with the Bluebirds’ fastest time in the 4-kilometer race, covering the circuit at Wamego Country Club in 17 minutes, 55.4 seconds to place 22nd. Rachel Manis finished in 18:13.40 for 26th place. Freshman Julia Nightengale ran her fastest time of the year, 19:17.70, to place 46th. Lauren Rymill came in 58th with a time of 20:05.60. Other Bluebirds runners were Laura Volze, 20:42.50, 62nd; Maxine Keyse, 20:44.40, 63rd; and Madeline Meier, 22:43.90, 69th.

None of the girls qualified for individual medals, but collectively received medals for finishing fourth out of 10 schools.

“These girls came with a purpose and left it all on the course,” head coach Brian Lightner said.