SHS runner qualifies for state cross country meet

Clay Lincoln

POTOSI -- Sikeston's Clay Lincoln qualified for state by placing 11th in the Class 3, District 1 cross country meet at Potosi on Saturday.

Last year Lincoln was the first freshman from Sikeston to ever qualify for the state meet. Now this year he becomes the first runner from SHS to ever qualify his freshman and sophomore years. And he did it this year with a less than stellar race by his standards.

"I should have stopped Clay from going out with two all-state runners from Potosi," said Sikeston coach Gary Williams. "Potosi is the defending state champions and they have two of the better runners in the 3A classification."

Right after the first mile, the two Potosi runners made a strong move on a long uphill on their home course. Lincoln could not stay with them and struggled the rest of the race. "Clay would have run a better race if he would have stayed back off the pace and worked his way through the field of runners," explained Williams. "That's something we will definitely do at the state meet."

The state meet will take place in Jefferson City this Saturday. Lincoln will try to become only the second sophomore from Sikeston to become all-state. The only other runner to accomplish the feat was Mike Chegwidden, back in 1980.

Also at Saturday's district race, first-year runner Trevor Alhfield came in 31st place.

"For someone who really had not run much before this year, Trevor had a strong season," said Williams.