Panthers are regional champs with bigger fish yet to fry

COLUMBUS ? Monday afternoon was go-time and the Pekin girls cross country team knew what to do.

In the Class 2A Regional cross country meet at Columbus Junction, the second-ranked Panthers took the first giant step toward posting a second straight state title. Just as they have for most of the season, Pekin finished on top of the team standings, but more importantly, qualify for Saturday?s state meet at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.

Injuries and illness have limited Celsey Conger for much of the 2009 season, but the sophomore cranked it up Monday as the first Panther to cross the finish line. Conger claimed third-place overall and, along with Kaitlin Spilman (4th, 16:43) and freshman Maleaha Earnest (7th, 16:53), will run for an individual title as well Saturday.

Kristen Freeman (13th, 17:33), Brenna Conger (14th, 17:33), Emma Nelson (22nd, 18:08) and Annie Jones (28th, 18:34) missed the individual cut, but will remain as a key cog in the Panthers? hopes for Class 2A team championship. Last year, Pekin entered the state meet ranked third but left with the 1A crown. The Panthers are schedule to run at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Philip Laux led the Pekin boys in their season finale as the state?s top-ranked runner ? Columbus? Sam Chaney ? claimed the individual district title.

Results from Monday?s meet at Columbus Junction can be found in the Tuesday, October 27, 2009 Fairfield Ledger.