To the editor:

We thank you for your recognition of the Lawrence High and Lawrence Free State cross country teams in light of their achievements at their regional cross country championships. First of all we would like to congratulate LHS boys’ and girls’ teams as well as FS boys and Lynn Robinson for qualifying for the 6A state cross country competition. Both teams put out a commendable effort at the regional meet on Oct. 23, which deserves acknowledgment.

Throughout our cross country season, as with any team, we faced challenges, particularly the four-year varsity runner and team captain, Hayley Francis. Unable to run up to her full potential, as our captain, she felt it her duty to represent our team to the best of her ability. Her passion for the sport and support of our team compelled her to lead us in the meet on Saturday, placing an exceptional 16th. For no reason should her race be denoted by comparison.

The Free State women’s cross country team was insulted by the media coverage on Oct. 23. We feel it was unfair to single out our teammate as the sole cause of our fourth-place finish. Quite the contrary she showed great courage in her race. We are Hayley’s teammates; we win as a team and lose as a team. We respect Hayley and are proud to call her a teammate.

Rachael Schaffer, Lauren

Wethington, Hillary Yoder,

Lawrence