“By far the fastest boys team we’ve ever had at Maize” is how Skeeter Rankins, coach, describes his boys cross country team this year. 

After taking first at regionals in Great Bend, the team hopes to be just as successful at state.

Maize High hasn’t won a trophy at state cross country since 2006. They got second in 6A that year.

“The thing is, this team would have won the 6A state meet that year in 2006 and a lot of other years,” Rankins said. “That’s how good they are.”

First-year runner, junior Kaleb Glazier, has gotten first as an individual at every meet this season, but one. Glazier hopes to continue this pattern and get first or second at state. 

“My key to success has been practicing and having the right mentality,” Glazier siad. “When you hurt during a race, you have to grind it out and go for it.”

Senior Abigail Grantham has been running 5Ks since she was seven years old. She was the only girl to qualify for state from Maize and will be competing individually. She hopes to PR at the meet this weekend. 

Grantham said she will miss the support and friendship of her teammates in Lawrence. The community and bonding is Grantham’s favorite part of being on the cross country team and the reason she joined in the first place.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thankful,” Grantham said. “I will really miss running with my team. They are the ones that make it fun. They definitely did help me get to where I am. They are always cheering me on and I am very grateful for them.”