Local harriers headed to cross country state finals

The IHSAA cross country state finals will have some local flavor again this year. The Lady Pirates finished fifth in the regional at Crawford County to advance as a team to the state finals.

Batesville’s Jayla Bedel advanced as an individual out of the regional at CERAland Park in Columbus.

The state finals will be held at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute. The girls’ race is set for noon with the boys following at 1 p.m.

Greensburg’s Eleanor Davis (sophomore) is making a return trip to the state finals. Davis finished 61st as a freshman last year with a time of 18:57.6.

This year, Davis is joined by the entire Lady Pirates squad: Lulu Webb, Maria Scholle, Alli Bedel, Josie Slaven, Alaina Bedel and Emma O’Sullivan.

The Lady Pirates drew starting box No. 7, next to Bloomington South and Ft. Wayne Bishop Dwenger. Batesville’s Bedel will be in starting box No. 38 along with Terre Haute South’s Leah Sagarsee and Leo’s Rowyn Norris.

Last year’s state champion Carmel looks to defend the title. State runner-up Ft. Wayne Concordia and third place Bloomington South also return to the field.

Individual runner-up Macey Thompson of Lake Central is the top returning finisher from last year. Fourth place Jenna Walker of Kankakee Valley and fifth place Daphne Weller of Ft. Wayne Concordia will also be in the 2026 state finals field.

All ticket sales will be digital only via Eventlink (additional fees may apply). Please purchase tickets online in advance and present your purchase verification on your phone at the gate for admission. A purchased ticket can only be validated one time. If you choose to leave the facility, you will be required to purchase another ticket at $15 per person. Children ages 5 or younger admitted free.

If you can’t make it to Terre Haute, both state final races will be streamed exclusively at IHSAAtv.org for a cost of $15.