The Clayton girls’ cross country team, in their first trip to the state meet in ten years, finished in sixteenth place of the 17 teams at the  Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA) State Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City.

The meet showcased the best runners from around the state. Seven Clayton runners were among the 165 female runners in the class three girls’ race. On the boys’ side, Clayton had one of the 159 male runners in the class three boys’ race.

Sophomore Nicole Indovino led the girls’ team with a time of 22:58, the seventy-sixth best time. Sophomore Payton Sciarratta finished second for the team, senior Simone Bernstein finished third, junior Sarah Graeber finished fourth and senior Nicky Turza finished in fifth. In the sixth and seventh spots were sophomore Ella Davis and junior Jenna Hayes.

Freshman Derrick Stone, the sole male Clayton runner, finished with a time of 20:13, putting him at place 138.

Simone Bernstein, co-captain of the cross country team, finished her running career at the state meet. She reflected on the experience and the team’s performance.

“It was a great way to end my running career,” Bernstein said. “As a team, it was a big jump to get to state, so I consider this year a success. We were not upset with our placement, as some of teams which we competed against expect to make state yearly. Hopefully in the coming years the program will become more established and the team can count on making state more regularly.”

Indovino observed the end of the Class 4A boys’ race, which include the largest schools in the state, at the finish line.

“Maybe it was just due to the heat, but all the top finishers were throwing up or on the ground after they finished,” Indovino said. “Some runners were even crawling over the finish line. These guys were unable to stand after the race.”

Junior runner Tyler Markham accompanied Stone to the state race. Though he did not run, he had a memorable experience, even as a spectator.

“The races were very intense as there were so many good runners,” Markham said. “The atmosphere was incredible. I am glad I got this experience of seeing the state meet.”

Though the girl’s did not bring back a state title from Jefferson City, they did make huge strides this past year and hope to build on their accomplishments.