The Helias Lady Crusaders haven't lost to a Class 3 team all season.
If they can keep that up today, they'll be hanging a banner in Rackers Fieldhouse.
"It's been impressive, we've raced against a lot of good teams," Helias coach Brad Hake said as the Lady Crusaders prepared for today's state cross country championships at the Oak Hills Golf Center. "We're very pleased the way the season has gone."
Hake is not surprised with the success the Lady Crusaders have had this season.
"I know the character of our girls, how much work they've put in to get here and the great leadership on the team," the first-year head coach said. "We had a lot of ingredients to have a successful season."
Kayla Yanskey, a senior, leads the Lady Crusaders. Yanskey, who won the individual district title last week at Salisbury, is bidding to become a four-time all-state performer.
"She's had a great career, but there's so much more about her," Hake said. "She's a great leader, she's a calming influence on our team and a great person. She prepares so well and taught all of the younger ones how to prepare for these races."
Yanskey has not finished out of the top five in any event this season.
"I think she's primed to have a great race (today)," Hake said.
Depth has been a key to the success for the Lady Crusaders, who had all seven runners finish in the top 10 individuals at districts as Helias ran away with team honors.
"These girls run for each other, they have each other's backs," Hake said. "We will pick each other up, they are determined."
Abby Hake, a junior, is Helias' No. 2 runner. Morgan Yanskey and Emma Veltrop, a pair of freshmen, are next, followed by sophomore Ashley Eskens, senior Lanie Hentges and junior Alicia Engelbrecht.
"I'm not sure what order they are going to finish (today) and that's a good thing," Brad Hake said. "What makes this team special is our No. 7 girl will finish ahead of a lot of teams' No. 5 runner, which helps us when it comes to points."
Hake said the Lady Crusaders really hit their stride in late September when they won the Class 3 event at the Hancock Invitational in St. Louis.
"When they ran that race, I could see in their eyes they knew they were going to be successful," Hake said. "And I've seen that same look in their eyes in every race since then."
Other teams in the title hunt include Herculaneum, Cape Girardeau Notre Dame and Bolivar.
"We're right there in the mix and I'm not going to bet against our girls," Hake said. "If it doesn't happen, it's not because we didn't do everything we could do to prepare. If another team beats us, congratulations to them. But we're ready to go and may the best team win."
The Lady Crusaders, who were fourth at state last year, are ready to prove they can be that best team.
"The kids can be nervous if they aren't prepared," Hake said. "But we've done everything we can do to be successful. We should walk up to the starting line ready to run the race and everything will take care of itself.
"We've been through the battles and we've worked extremely hard, not only physically, but mentally, to get ready for state."
The Class 3 girls race is slated for a 10:05 a.m. start.
On the boys side, the Crusaders advanced by finishing second in the district meet.
"There's no pressure on us (today)," Hake said. "I think they're a little more nervous than the girls because of their inexperience, but they're running well."
Jack Crull, a freshman, leads Helias. He was fourth in the district meet.
"Jack has been amazing all year," Hake said. "And the best thing is he is really just learning how to run and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do (today) and in the next three years."
Riley Scott, a sophomore, is Helias' No. 2 runner. Jenson Starr, a freshman, is next, followed by juniors Brian Kirchoff and Nathan Wieberg. Jack Hentges and Colby Krull, both sophomores, round out the qualifiers for the Crusaders.
The Crusaders, while wanting to win a state trophy with a top-four finish after taking seventh last year, are looking at today's race as a test run for the future.
"The experience they are going to get at state in front of an awesome crowd is going to be great for us in the next few years," Hake said.
The Class 3 boys race will open the day, scheduled for a 9 a.m. start.
III
The Blair Oaks Lady Falcons will have a pair of runners in the Class 3 race.
Taylor Scott, a senior who was 13th at the district meet in Salisbury, will be joined by junior Emily Yaeger, who was 14th.
School of the Osage will also have two girls competing - Micah Hill (11th at districts) and Karlie Minnehan (12th).