On the weekend of Sept. 28 the cross country teams traveled to compete in the Chile Pepper Cross Country festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This gave the runners a chance to compete against out of state teams.

The festival is a two-day event with races ranging from college and elite level to open mile and junior high races.

Junior Anna LaForge said everyone was in a good place mentally and physically for the race. LaForge also said the team felt more united.

“Last year, we were more like a group of runners; this year, we have really become a family.” LaForge said.

Both the girls and boys teams ran in the “El Caliente” 5k race, which is the highest level of high school racing.

Girls head coach Matt George said the girls team ran the best race of the season.

“At Chile Pepper, you can always anticipate running well,” George said.

The boys varsity team placed 33rd out of 95 teams, with top finisher Joe Hoch placing 116th in a 16:41.

The girls top finisher was Freshman Camryn Kanaly in 269th place running a 21:20.

The teams are now working toward the Oct. 26 regional at Westmoore and Nov. 2 State at Edmond Santa Fe.