Otterville’s Morrison nets third state cross country medal
Published 10:21 pm Saturday, November 7, 2026
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COLUMBIA — For the third consecutive year, Halle Morrison left the MSHSAA Class 1 State Cross Country Championships with a medal around her neck.
The Otterville junior placed 17th in the girls race, finishing with a personal-best and school-record time of 20:41.3 to earn her third career state medal Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course.
“It feels amazing,” Morrison said. “The last two years, I PR’d at state as well, so being able to do it again is just amazing.”
The finish marked Morrison’s best performance time-wise at the state meet, topping her freshman year time of 21:11.6 and her sophomore year time of 21:24.6. She placed 15th as a freshman and 19th as a sophomore.
The top 30 individual finishers in each class earn all-state honors and a medal.
“I came in ranked 12th. I did not meet that, however, I did PR, so I’m pretty happy with how I finished,” Morrison said.
Morrison qualified for state after placing runner-up at the Class 1 District 3 meet on Oct. 31. She also captured the Kaysinger Conference individual title on Oct. 14.
This was Morrison’s first season under head coach Zack Dyer, who previously guided multiple runners to the state meet at Smithton.
“It’s just amazing,” Morrison said. “I worked so hard all season and I’m just so proud of my accomplishments. [The key to me getting to state was] definitely my coach and all my supporters. Every race I’ve had this season, I’ve had people show up for me and encourage me.”
Looking ahead to her final high school cross country campaign, Morrison already has her sights set on a higher podium finish next season.
“I’m definitely so excited for next year,” Morrison said. “Hopefully, I can do the best I’ve ever done. I would really like to get top 10.”
Joining Morrison in the Class 1 girls race Saturday, La Monte senior Katareena Knoernschild placed 88th with a school-record time of 23:03.0. Knoernschild is the first athlete in school history to compete at the state cross country meet.
On the boys side, Northwest seniors Bristen Douglas and Donovan Dexter came down the chute side-by-side to cap their high school careers.
Douglas placed 58th with a time of 17:52.4, while Dexter crossed one-tenth of a second later in 59th at 17:52.5.
Class 2 results
Stover senior Gabby Sidebottom wrapped up her high school career at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Championships on Friday, Nov. 6.
Sidebottom, a four-time state qualifier and two-time medalist, placed 82nd with a time of 21:51.3.
Windsor sophomore Mozell Graves placed 106th with a time of 22:23.1.
In the boys race, Stover junior Lason Thompson placed 98th with a time of 18:07.3, while his sophomore teammate Kashawn Martin placed 142nd with a time of 19:18.7.
Windsor sophomore Mason Betsworth came in 104th with a time of 18:12.4.
Joe Andrews contributed to this report. Sports editor Jack Denebeim can be reached at 660-530-0142.
