Kearney Catholic wins program’s first girls XC team title

KEARNEY, Neb. — The Kearney Catholic girls cross country team used depth to claim the program’s first team state championship.

Despite not having a runner in the top five and only one runner in the top 15, the Stars claimed the title with 76 team points. The bested Auburn by four points and Lincoln Christian and Platteview by 12.

Freshman Jaelyn Witter placed sixth with a time of 20:50.4, making her Kearney Catholic’s top finisher. Seeing his daughter place in the top 10 and his team take the title was a triumphant moment for co-head coaches Marcus Witter. Him and Jonathan Nikkila were in their first season as co-head coaches.