QHS boys cross country team qualifies for state for first time since IHSA went to three-class system

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys cross country team has weekend plans in Peoria.

For the first time since the Illinois High School Association went to a three-class system for postseason action in 2007, the Blue Devils qualified as a team to compete at the Class 3A state cross country meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria.

The Blue Devils finished seventh at the Normal Community Sectional at the Parkside Junior High School course, compiling 214 team points. The top seven teams in each of the four sectionals qualify to run at the state meet.

Plainfield North won the sectional title with 60 points, while Plainfield South was second with 93. Edwardsville was third with 99 points, followed by Lincoln-Way Central, Yorkville, O’Fallon and Quincy.

Blue Devils freshman Eli Poe led the Quincy pack, finishing 39th in 15 minutes, 58.05 seconds. Junior Gavin Slee was 40th in 15:58.73 and senior Justin Kappner was 42nd in 15:59.40. Freshman Charles Ray finished in 16:10.83, senior Cameron MacDonough in 16:14.41, freshman Owen Triplett in 16:17.43 and senior Reed Steiner in 16:24.94.

In the girls race, Quincy has two runners qualify for state.

Freshman Peyton Kuhl finished fourth individually in 18:02.51 and senior Amick McClelland was 30th in 18:52.70.