Ozark’s cross country program had a historic season this fall with a number of big wins both on the girls’ and boys’ teams. Girls varsity, boys varsity, girls JV and boys JV all swept the Willard Invitational and the Lebanon Invitational.

The girls varsity team had a great run including winning the Central Ozark Conference championship. They also qualified as a team for the MSHSAA State Meet and placed 13th overall, making them the top team from southwest Missouri.

“They are the second cross country team in school history to win the COC championship and the second team in school history to qualify for state on the girls' side. The girls also had the fastest team average in school history at 19:57,” Head Coach Mitchell Furtkamp said. “Their commitment, work ethic and connection to each other allowed our girls' program to reach new heights. They all chose to show up each day and be 1 percent better. All the accomplishments of this team are directly tied to the sacrifices these girls made throughout the past five months. They slayed, and we are very proud of them."

The following runners received post-season honors:

- Ellsie Estes (sophomore): All-State (placed 16th overall), All Region (1st team) All-District, All-Conference (1st team)

- Madison Felton (senior): All-Region (2nd team), All-District, 1st Team All-Conference (1st team)

- Lainey Garner (junior): All-Region (honorable mention), All-District, All-Conference (2nd team)

- Sydney Lister (sophomore): All-Region (honorable mention), All-District, All-Conference (2nd team)