Class 4 Sectional 4 girls race is a real shootout
Liberty's Megan Yohe had one thought in mind as she sprinted into first place during the final stretch of the Class 4 Sectionals girls race Saturday at Lake Jacomo.
Yohe said she was telling herself, "I hope (the finish) comes really fast because I don't think that I can do this much longer."
Yohe was smiling as she recalled her thoughts after the race, which she won in 19:48.98. It was the 11th fastest girls time ever at Jacomo.
The victory for the Liberty sophomore was hard-earned. She was about 8 meters behind LS West freshman Johann Kleinsasser with just over 200 meters to go. But Yohe's kick was well-timed and not to be denied, as she raced past Kleinsasser.
"I was really shocked to have that in me," said Yohe.
St. Teresa's Academy senior Elizabeth Keaveny also pushed hard over the last few meters, taking second in 19:50.85. Kleinsasser ended up third in 19:52.30.
On a beautiful fall day, Raytown South sophomore Erin Edwards led a pack of runners through the first mile at 6:05. Kleinsasser had taken over at the 2-mile mark, which she passed in 12:35.
At the end, Edwards placed fourth in 20:00.23, followed by Marlee Tegenkamp of Lee's Summit in 20:03.94 and Ray-South junior Christina Owensby in 20:07.34.
The LS West squad easily captured first place with six runners in the top 30. The Titans had 56 points, followed by the other State qualifiers -- St. Teresa's Academy (80), Oak Park (87) and LS North (98).
The day's biggest surprise: The defending state girls Class 4 champions from Liberty finished 5th on Saturday, failing to qualify for next Saturday's State Meet in Jefferson City. Two Blue Jays -- Yohe and Lydia Newland -- did qualify as individuals by placing in the top 30.