Oklahoma's State 3A Cross Country Meet brought success for Alva High School's team as they placed fifth overall. Sophomore Lakin Gaddy had personal success as well. She took fourth place overall, which qualified her for a Top 5 Gold Medal. Also winning a gold medal at state as a freshman, Gaddy is a two-time All-State honors recipient.

At State, 157 of the best 3A runners lined up across the starting line waiting for the starter to drop the flag and fire the gun. Gaddy's father Brian said, "Throughout the race Lakin ran in fifth to sixth place until the last 400 meters. She was neck in neck with Baylee Tapley from Bethel competing for third and fourth place as they raced up the last 200 meters toward the finish line. Tapley edged Lakin at the finish line in a photo finish. Lakin ran a 12:34.60 getting fourth place by two-tenths of a second."

AHS Cross-Country Coach Kanon Collins said, "I am so proud of the efforts of the team this year. Every runner gave me their all for the entire season, and finished the season as a Top 5 team for 3A. Being a team made up of freshmen and sophomores, I see a bright future for this team! I am excited for the years ahead!

"Lakin has worked so hard this season. She works hard during practice and gets extra miles in on her own. I am so proud of her and her efforts this season! She is a great leader for the freshmen, leading by example every practice. I have high hopes for her this spring on the track, and the next two years to come!"

When asked about her achievement, Gaddy said, "It takes a lot of mental toughness. I love running and challenging myself. My goal was to make the Top 3 and I lost it by two-tenths of a second. Our team is so young and we all support each other – always cheering for each other. We have a very good bond with one another and have so much fun. I can't wait to see what we can do in the future. Coach Collins is really supportive to lift you up. She is kind and sweet-hearted."

Gaddy said, "I couldn't have done this without my amazing family, friends, teammates and community."

AHS sophomore Lakin Gaddy (yellow shirt) stands on the State 3A Cross County podium as one of the Top Five Gold medalists. This makes her a two-time All-Stater.

The other Ladybug Team members individual placings are as follows: Kiley Adair 23rd, Channing Ferguson 28th, Mackenzie Mackey 50th, Katelee Martin 54th, Josie Webster 68th, and Asia Blackledge placed 92nd earning the team a combined total of 138 points to take 5th Place as a team. Goldbug runners placing at state were Daxton Williams 30th, and Sage Campbell 105th out of 160 runners.