With no one ahead, sophomore Sylvie Harper crosses the finish line on a chilly Saturday morning, making herself the 2025 5A Cross Country State Champion. 

Hosted at Edmond Santa Fe High School, Harper completed the 3.1 mile race with a time of 18:16, beating last year’s state time by 15 seconds.

“My goal at the beginning of the season was 18:31 because that was the time that won State last year,” Harper said. “I was really happy to break that record even though it wasn’t my PR.”

Showing up every morning, working hard and setting goals led to Harper’s championship win. 

“Practicing does more than you can ever imagine it will,” Harper said.

Initially, cross-country was a way for Harper to meet new people as she transitioned into high school, but the sport soon evolved into something more.

“The girls on the cross-country team are my best friends now and it is just such a family,” Harper said. “Even though they don’t always run with me they show up and are there with me every morning and I just feel so close to them. I think that is the reason that I have been able to keep going.”

Her win not only meant something to her, but the team as a whole. The team competed at the 5A level, one of the most competitive in the state, but still managed to end the season with an individual champion, and placed runner up as a team. 

“Going from eighth place at state last year to regional champions and second at state was really great,” Harper said. “I think that we are improving so much and I think having me on the team will hopefully help other girls to come run with me because I want to inspire them.” 

Harper started her running career last track season, joining relay teams, and placing well in 800 and 3200 meter races. She plans to run another track season in the spring this school year.