JEWELL, Ia. — The South Hamilton Hawks cross country teams returned to the course on Thursday evening, as they hosted their Class 1A State Qualifying Meet at Jewell Golf and Country Club. The Hawks were joined by Ankeny Christian, BCLUW, Belmond-Klemme, Bishop Garrigan, Clarksville, Clear Lake Classical, GTRA, Hudson, Janesville, North Butler, North Union, Ogden, St. Edmond, Sumner-Fredericksburg, Valley Lutheran, West Bend-Mallard, West Fork and West Hancock.
South Hamilton’s boys would just miss out on qualifying for state as a team, with the Hawks placing 3rd with a total of 87 points. Senior Jesus Garcia would advance to the state meet individually, placing 5th with a time of 17:12.39, as senior Hayden Hill was 12th in 18:20.28, while Jackson Olmstead was 15th in 18:34.36. John Sandgren placed 33rd in 19:42.00, as Blake Main was 38th in a time of 20:08.83.
South Hamilton’s girls placed 9th with a total of 201 points, as junior Jill Bentley was 18th in 22:53.57 and senior Cici Herrick was 53rd in 25:58.56. Rosemary Chamness was 64th in 28:09.9, Lexi Mathes was 68th in 29:06.34, while Laurel Johnson was 69th in 29:26.77.
State team qualifiers from South Hamilton’s meet saw Ankeny Christian and Ogden qualify for the boys, as Sumner-Fredericksburg and St. Edmond qualified for the girls meet.