Lick Creek girls’ cross country team finishes fourth at state

<p class="p1">The Lick Creek School girls’ cross country team earned a fourth-place finish in state competition.</p><p class="p1">On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Lick Creek cross country team traveled to Salem’s Bryan Memorial Park for the state cross country meet in their first year competing in cross country. There were 38 teams represented and 196 runners.</p><p class="p1">“We knew we had a chance to place, but everyone had to run better than they had all year, and that is what happened. All 7 of our kids ran their fastest times of the year,” Lick Creek coach Matt Denny said.  </p><p class="p1">Lick Creek had three team members who earned medalist honors. </p><p class="p1">They were led by Kyleigh Matuszewich with a 9th place finish. Julia Hall followed up at 16th, and Brodie Denny was 31st. </p><p class="p1">Other team members contributing to the fourth place team finish were Addison Denny, Hannah Miller, Sally Sims and Campbell Belcher. </p><p class="p1">“This was a true team effort. The kids have worked very hard since the beginning of August, they earned every bit of that fourth place trophy,” Denny said. </p><p class="p1">Denny said that Lick Creek looks to improve next year, only graduating Sally Sims from this year’s team. </p><p class="p1">“We should be very good next year, hopefully adding some more kids when they see the success of the others.” </p><p class="p1">“I think this was the best medal I’ve ever received. I am very proud of our girls,” coach Ryan Vicenzi said.</p><p class="p1">“I also want to thank the school board for allowing us to start cross country this year. I hope Anna and Jonesboro follow suit, and maybe we can get it back at A-J very soon,” Denny said.</p>