The Delavan High School girls' cross country team delivered a standout performance at the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Championships this morning at Detweiller Park, securing 8th place overall with a team score of 319 in a competitive field of 252 runners.

Senior Annabelle LaFary led the Lady Panthers with a swift 18:16.58 finish, earning 35th place and setting the tone for a determined team effort. Elise Brinkmeyer followed in 80th place (18:54.21), with Khloe Stockham (108th, 19:27.05), Drew Robison (117th, 19:41.17), and Alaina Karker (151st, 20:13.45) rounding out the scoring five. Isabella Houston (215th, 21:33.72) and Olivia Nehmelman (229th, 22:40.26) completed the lineup, contributing depth and resilience to the team’s finish.

On the boys' side, Delavan High School junior Corie Green made his mark as the sole qualifier from Delavan, blazing through the course in 14:52.24 to claim 8th place overall in a field of 257 runners. Green’s performance places him among the elite runners in the state and sets a high bar for the program’s future.

The Panthers’ success this season was guided by Head Coach Suzanne LaFary, with support from coaches Clint LaFary and Christian Skaggs. Together, the coaching trio fostered a culture of discipline, encouragement, and steady growth, helping both the boys' and girls' team and individual runners reach new heights. Their leadership was instrumental in shaping an outstanding season that culminated in state-level recognition.

With both individual and team accomplishments to celebrate, the 2025 cross country season closes on a high note for DHS.