EudoraNews.com

It'd be easy to complain seeing as Eudora enters each of its two most important meets of the season nearly automatically behind two teams.

The Cardinals, who ran in the Frontier League meet Thursday and compete Saturday at regionals in Ottawa, are cemented behind Class 4A's top two teams, Baldwin and De Soto, on both the boys and girls sides.

Eudora coach Paul Boone said he wouldn't change it, however, and as his team prepares to challenge for bids to the state cross country meet, they'll do so hoping to grab the one remaining team-qualification slot behind the Bulldogs and the Wildcats.

"We were really pleased with both the boys and the gals," Boone said. "Both teams raced well and we had some real breakthroughs.

"I feel good about our chances. I like the experiences these kids have had and how they've responded to tough situations. It's time to give them one more challenge."

The girls team made its loudest statement this season that it intends to retain its grip on that last slot. The Cardinals will compete for their fifth consecutive trip to state, and have plenty of momentum after a third-place finish Thursday at the league meet at Rim Rock Farms.

The boys were perhaps more shocking Thursday, however.

Boone has talked repeatedly this season about waiting for a breakthrough, and it finally came at one of the most unlikely places.

The boys, led by Ivan Espinosa's 12th-place finish, streaked over hilly, wooded and typically intimidating five-kilometer course to the tune of six personal bests.

The boys were fifth, well behind Gardner in fourth, but with 139 points comfortably ahead of Ottawa at 148, Spring Hill and Louisburg.

Espinosa, a freshman who has ramped up his times in recent weeks, finished in 17:50, his best ever time.

Juan Ramirez, still nursing several injuries, was 23rd in 18:38, John Hadle 34th in 19:16 and Zack Courter 40th and Colby Root 41st both finished at 19:35.

"That's what we've been waiting for," Boone said. "We've been impatiently urging them, 'You have to get moving in the middle.'

"I'm proud of those guys. We feel strongly about that group."

Senior Emily Ballock, who improved on her time from the week before to finish the four-kilometer course in 12th in 16:36, led the girls.

Lauren Colman and Liz Hoese backed up her strong race, finishing in 18th and 19th places, 17:08 and 17:27 respectively.

Kaya Riemann was 30th in 18:19, Bre Miller 31st in 18:20, Molly Brunton 44th in 19:19 and Steph Hoese 47th in 20:34.

"I feel we have as good of a chance as anyone there," Boone said of the girls' chances at state. "Our girls said up and down the line, they still haven't run their fastest races.

"They're feeling positive. We are in as good of a spot physically and mentally as we've been for the last three years."

Eudora has plenty of experience butting heads with its primary competitors for the last state slot, and picked up a big victory Thursday in beating Paola and Louisburg. The Cardinals finished with 106 points, 74 behind Baldwin, but 25 in front of Paola and 27 ahead of Louisburg.

The Cards will also face Basehor, St. James, Piper, Bishop Ward, Osawatomie, Spring Hill, Tonganoxie, Anderson County and host Ottawa.