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SUGARHOUSE PARK — Sara Musselman ran a tough race Wednesday afternoon at the Class 5A girls cross-country state meet at Sugarhouse Park.
The senior from American Fork nearly collapsed, and even watched one of her teammates carried into an ambulance after collapsing at the finish line (all runners were treated and released) while finishing third in 18 minutes, 3.2 seconds.
Then her pain was released with joy as she looked at her teammates, all seniors except for junior Lexi Wright in 15th place.
The Cavemen rode four of the top-15 finishes to their third-straight state championship, ending the careers of a dominant run of American Fork harriers Wednesday afternoon.
“We really wanted a three-peat, and we got it,” Musselman said. “I’m super proud of my team.
“American Fork is the best program in my opinion, and to be on this team is so great. I’m so blessed to be on this team. It’s amazing to say I ran for American Fork.”
Behind Musselman, Sammy Hollingsworth finished ninth in 18:25.4, followed by Cami Squires in 18:40.7 and Wright in 18:52.3. Bingham senior Whitney Rich won the individual title in 17:38.3, followed by Weber’s McKenna Lee in 17:46.9.
Even as Musselman fought to keep up with the leaders, exhaustion eventually gave way to her third-place finish.
But the finish that was good enough for a team title was worth it.
“I came into this wanting to do the best that I can and not give in during the entire race. My legs were dying; my brain said ‘go, go, go,’ and my body just couldn’t,” she said. “I wish I would’ve done better than I did, but I’ll take it.
“My team’s a state champ, and we are all state champs. It’s more than I could ask for.”
In the 4A race, Springville’s Julie Sumsion edged Kate Hunter of Provo by five seconds, 17:55.8, to claim her first championship. The Red Devil senior pulled ahead with about 400 meters to go, and hung on against the reigning state champion.
“I knew she had a great kick, and if I wanted to win then I would have to have an amazing kick,” Sumsion said. “I just gave it all I had at the end.”
Sumsion had never beaten Hunter, though the two raced against each other often as Utah County rivals. With one kick, she made the most of her first win.
“She’s an amazing runner and I love competing against her,” she said. “She pushes me so much.”
Related Story
Clinger repeats to lead American Fork boys back to 5A cross-country state title
After falling to a disappointing third-place team finish last year, Casey Clinger clocked a 14-minute, 42.9-second 5K to lead the Cavemen to the Class 5A boys cross-country state championship Wednesday at Sugarhouse Park.In Class 4A, Timpanogos claimed the team title by one point over Mountain View, followed by Skyline, Skyridge and Maple Mountain.
Pine View placed three runners in the top 10 to claim the 3A girls title, while Desert Hills’ Bailey Brinkerhoff won the individual title in 18:22.6.
Sadie Sargent and Maggie Zwahlen placed 1-2 to lead North Summit to the 2A girls title, and Parowan captured the 1A girls championship. Tintic’s Bailey Wall captured the individual title in 20:09.8.
Full results are available on runnercard.com.
