Six local runners place top 10 at state meets - earn All-State honors

Marah Long
Monticello High | 1A girls xc
third place | senior

Head Coach Jeff Hunt: “I have said this so many times, but I will say it again about Marah. If determination translated directly into money, she is going to be one of the richest people in the world someday. This applies not only on the cross country course but at school as well.
“Just like when she was a precocious two year old and candy was anywhere in sight, it would find its way into Marah’s hands. This season, we didn’t see the same Marah we had seen in years past until the very end. In life it’s okay to get the yips a little as sometimes life gets in the way of your goals.
“But in the end when it counted, Marah showed up and did what she needed to do to lead the team to a silver trophy and finish in the top three at state for the second time. It was her third time medaling at state.”

Keiarra Martin
Whitehorse High | 1A girls xc
fourth place | sophomore

Head Coach Boyd Silversmith: “Keiarra’s excellence in cross country began in elementary school and she has maintained a passion for the sport ever since.
“She has set high expectations for herself in the areas of sports and academics. She maintains a high GPA at Whitehorse High School. 
“Keiarra has shared with me her dedication in pursuing her cross country goals. Though she is still an underclassman, in both her first two high school seasons she accomplished her goal to be a top contender at the Region and State meets.
“Keiarra, along with other top runners, is in the running to be named cross country Athlete of the Year.
“Keiarra is a great example of self-discipline and plans to continue improving in the sport of cross country.”

Eli Carling
Monticello High | 1A boys xc
fourth place | freshman

Head Coach Jeff Hunt: “Over the years I have had some freshmen that have done some great things at state, but Eli is only the second freshman boy in Monticello cross country history to medal at the Utah State Championships (Alan Pettit was the first).
“When the top four Buckaroos took off at the first of the state championship I hoped we could hold on, and Eli did just that. 
“He battled fellow freshman Dax Jolley of Rich for the entire race as they went back and forth throughout. Dax out-sprinted Eli down the stretch, but it set up a rivalry that should be interesting to watch in the future. 
“I could tell Eli was going to have a special season during the summer. When everyone else had finished their assigned workout Eli would add a mile or two. He truly and literally went the extra mile.”

Platte Lyman
San Juan High | 2A boys xc
fifth place | sophomore

Head Coach Will Walker: “Platte is an exceptional athlete who surpassed all expectations during his sophomore year. Throughout the season, he consistently ranked among the team’s top three runners and delivered a standout performance, claiming a fifth-place finish at the state championships.
“While he hails from a family of accomplished cross-country runners, Platte has carved out his own identity through his unique strengths. His incredible talent, unwavering work ethic, and determination to reach his full potential make him a vital asset to the team. Platte not only excels individually but also inspires those around him to improve, and he quickly emerged as a team leader despite his young age. His dedication to training coupled with his eagerness to grow and learn will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our continued success and growth as a team.”

Ethan Begay
Whitehorse High | 1A boys xc
sixth place | junior

Head Coach Boyd Silversmith: “Ethan earns superior grades at Whitehorse High School and has excelled in the sport of cross country as well.
“He developed a passion for the sport over the years since he started in junior high.
“As an underclassman he set a goal to compete at a high level in cross-country.
“His road to being at the peak of his running game has not been easy.
“However, with the example of a former WHS cross country runner, Ethan has learned and seen what it takes to be at the peak of his running game.
“He has put the self-discipline of running to the test and has developed the skill of running to be a top finisher at the 1A State meet.”

Lilli Burton
Monticello High | 1A girls xc
eighth place | senior

Head Coach Jeff Hunt: “Last year at the region meet Lilli came up injured. 
“She did her best at the state meet the following week but in the end she couldn’t will herself to her normal top-ten finish. 
“At the first part of this year, she was still feeling the effects of that injury until about the end of September.
“After she finished the Pagosa Springs meet she had a smile on her face, which said, ‘I’m back.’ 
“And she was. From then on she found herself in a very familiar position – on the podium with a medal around her neck. 
“It takes a lot of grit and determination to not only to return from an injury, but to come back and find herself back in the top ten at state holding a trophy.”