• Results: Boys • Girls

* * *

KEARNEY, Neb. — Shannen Ramey, who wasn't out for cross country when Fort Calhoun began its latest state-title run, led the Pioneers to their third consecutive Class C girls title.

Ramey, a senior, held off Morgan Benesch of Columbus Scotus to be the Pioneers' first individual champion.

“I had friends from that first team who have graduated," Ramey said. “They knew I was a runner and said I should come out for the team. But I thought I can't do that. I'm not good enough to compete.

“I think I found my niche.”

Fort Calhoun, coached by Jim Meyer, edged Sidney 49-51 for its fifth title in six seasons.

Cole Wellnitz of Gordon-Rushville repeated as the Class C boys champion. Columbus Scotus won its first team title in boys cross country.

Ramey said she took the lead from Benesch before the race's midpoint.

“I'm kind of in shock," she said. “I was hoping to be in the top five.”

She said she was still on a runner's high while doing interviews.

“The biggest emotion is just relief," Ramey said. “I love state week and then I hate it.”

Brooke Linnenbrink was sixth for the Pioneers. Sarah Determan, Abby Hillmer, Amber Linnenbrink and Chelsea Lukasiewicz were their other runners.

Wellnitz trailed Gothenburg's Brett Dockweiler for most of the final 3,000 meters of the 5K race before coming off the hill on the final corner and outsprinting him to the finish.

“He's a great athlete," Wellnitz said. “I was hoping that my finish would be a little faster. It's my last year, so this is bittersweet.”

Scotus, with Nick Preister ninth, edged Milford 55-59 in the team race.

Contact the writer:

402-444-1041, stu.pospisil@owh.com

twitter.com/stuOWH