(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – The Steelville Cardinals‘ boys and girls track teams had impressive showings at the Class 2 state championships on Friday and Saturday. The girls team finished tied for sixth overall in the standings while the boys finished tied for 17th despite only having two runners participating in the state meet. Head coach Zach Kennedy said he knew his players would bring their best.

Junior Allie Gibbs led the girls with two first-place finishes in the mile and two-mile races. Coach Kennedy said she ran her second-fastest times in both events.

Gibbs finished first in both races at the district and sectional meets this season. She said after taking runner-up last year, crossing the finish line first this season was a relief.

Gibbs said she found a way to get faster as the races went on.

Steelville freshman Alyssa Church also earned points in both races, finishing eighth in the mile race and placing fifth in the two-mile run.

On the boys side, Coach Kennedy said senior Garrett Becker had a successful final meet, finishing second in the mile run and fourth in the 800-meter race.

Steelville finished with 29 points in the girls meet and 13 points in the boys meet. The Class 2 state championships were held at Jefferson City High School.