Two Ballard High School cross country runners participated in the 4A state championship meet Nov. 8 in Pasco, the best showing for the girls team in eight years.

Though neither girl placed near the top 10 - senior Lauren Hammerle finished 40th in 19:42 and junior Erin Philbeck came in 45th with a time of 19:45 - it was second and third fastest times of any Ballard girl in course history, coach Bruce Drager said.

Drager said both girls did well in the 5,000-meter race and he was happy with the results but the girls thought they could have run a little better.

"This was their first time to state, and they were a little nervous," he said.

Drager said the team should have a great season next year with Philbeck returning as team captain.

"I look forward to a bright future to our program," he said.