KELLY GIRLS CLAIM ANOTHER STATE TITLE

JEFFERSON CITY -- Kelly High School continued a sensational fall to the 1997-98 school year with its second state championship Saturday at the Missouri State Cross Country Championships.

With an 87-point total, Kelly's girls claimed the 1A-2A state title, finishing seven points ahead of St. Mary's of Independence. The cross country team joined Kelly's softball team as state champions.

Kelly's boys came close to defending their state title, but finished runner-up to Willow Springs, which finished with 57 points. Kelly totaled 96, well ahead of third-place Linn, 116.

"We looked for good things," said Kelly coach Bill Davis. "The girls were a surprise. We knew the boys would be up there."

Amy Arteme led the Lady Hawk effort by finishing fifth overall, in an all-state time of 20:55. Comprising the remainder of Kelly's winning team total were Laura Ruff (29th, 22:27), April Cousins (32nd, 22:33), Megan Nelson (52nd, 23:11) and Melissa Melton (54th, 23:16). Melissa Garner and Beth Glueck also ran for the Lady Hawks but didn't figure in the team score.

The Kelly boys featured two all-state performers in Nathen King and Michael Riley. King placed sixth in 17:20 while Riley was one place and two seconds behind.

The remainder of the team total was comprised by Russ Mothershead (28th, 18:03), Denver Stuckey (48th, 18:26) and Lucas Choate (49th, 18:27). Jobi Berry and Chad Felter also ran at state for the Hawks.

"With the boys it was maroon all day -- Willow Springs and us," said Davis. "We didn't run bad, they just ran a little better."

A reception for the teams will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Kelly gymnasium.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame freshman Susan Judd placed 24th in the 1A-2A event to earn all-state recognition. Judd finished the course in 22:11.76.

Jackson

Jackson's girls placed a disappointing 13th out of 16 teams with 266 points in 4A field.

Jennifer Brown became the first Jackson runner to beat teammate Julie Wunderlich with a season-best time of 20:20. Brown finished 39th while Wunderlich, who placed 34th at state last year, came in 52nd.

"Jennifer really had a super race," said Jackson coach Jim Stoverink. "It was fastest time of the year for her."

Rounding out the Lady Indian runners were: Sarah Schlick (95th, 21:21), Sarah Stiegemeyer (100th, 21:25), Lisa Sappington (104th, 21:30), Christy Thoma (135, 22:07) and Jodie Brunke (141st, 22:13).

Mark Sander was the only runner for the Jackson boys. Sander took an early lead in his race before finishing 153rd with a time of (18:25).

"He went out fast, led the race a little and had his moment of glory," said Stoverink with a chuckle. "Then he came back, and below, reality."

Cape Central

Three Central runners placed in the 4A meet.

For the girls, Tobie Bittle ended another outstanding season, finishing 37th in a time of 20:16. Bittle is Central's only four-time state qualifier.

Myka Bohnsack placed 89th with a time of 21:14.

Rory Kipper was the only Tiger to qualify for state. Kipper placed 110th with a 17.53 clocking.

Perryville

Perryville's girls finished 14th out of 16 teams with 320 points in the 3A meet.