Two Titans medal at State Meet: Babb takes sixth, VanLaecken 16th

The Tea Area Titans concluded their 2025 campaign this Saturday at the AA State Cross Country Meet in Huron. A total of 262 athletes from 20 AA schools competed in the race, with each school fielding a team of up to seven runners. The Titans turned in outstanding efforts on the day.

The Titan girls ran the second race of the day. Senior Jaycie Babb ended her Titan cross country career with her best finish yet at the State Meet, claiming sixth place (18:24.27). Freshman Jayna VanLaecken used a strong mid-race move to push up into medal position, finishing 16th (19:11.45). This marks the first time in school history that the Titans have had multiple medalists in the same race at State.

Sophomore Grace Bialas had an impressive mid-race stride, claiming 35th place (19:49.18). Sophomore Abby Hilleson used a strong start to move out and earn 94th place (21:31.08), followed by sophomore Logan Castle in 109th (22:15.45). Senior Brooklyn Reiners finished well to grab 113th (22:31.56), and senior Meredith Decker rounded out the lineup in 125th (23:33.08). The Titan girls finished 10th in the team standings.

The Titan boys started the day’s competition. Junior Reid Hammerquist led the Titans with a strong middle kick, moving up the field to claim 52nd place (17:18.84). Senior Jack Campbell followed in 70th (17:39.79), and freshman Reece Christian turned in a great effort for 80th (17:55.8). Juniors Jonah Klemisch (86th, 18:01.37), Kaden Christian (88th, 18:01.77), and Tate VanLaecken (91st, 18:09.9) packed closely together, while senior Jacob DeYoung finished strong with a late kick to move into 120th (19:11.51). The Titan boys finished 14th in the team standings.

An end-of-season celebration is planned for Monday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m.