Polk runners take aim at 2A state berths at regional cross county meet

Polk County will look for both a regional championship and a berth in the 2A state meet when its boys and girls cross country teams compete Saturday in the 2A West Regional meet in Morganton.

The Wolverines will be among the teams competing when the boys race begins at 10 a.m., with the girls race to follow at 10:45 a.m.

The top four teams in each race will advance to the state championship meet, set for Nov. 1 in Kernersville. Also, the top five individuals not on a qualifying team will earn a spot in the state meet.

Coming off a sweep of both titles at the Western Highlands Conference meet, Polk County could see both teams crack the top four, although the 2A West region is traditionally one of the state’s stronger fields.

Sean Doyle, Mitchell Brown and Jacob Wolfe each had top six finishes in the WHC meet to lead the Wolverines, with Mark Federman also earning all-WHC honors.

Returning from an injury, India Godlock placed second in the WHC meet and will look for a second straight trip to the state meet. Senior Emily Kocher has emerged this season as one of Polk’s top runners and placed third at the WHC meet, with junior Hayley Kropp also earning all-conference honors.