Mosher represents FHS at State XC

Erica Mosher ’21 competed at State Cross Country in Kearney last Friday, Oct. 23 and finished 87th overall.

Mosher individually qualified for State at the District meet on Oct. 15 where she placed 9th. The senior also ran at State back in her freshman year when the varsity girls qualified as a team. Back then, the runners had to wait for official placings before they celebrated. This year, Mosher had the luxury of knowing right away.

“I felt completely amazed and immediately cried when I crossed the finish line and knew I had qualified,” Mosher said. “It was such a relief because I had been anticipating the district race for the past two weeks and was really nervous about if I was going to make it or not.”

Leading up to the final meet, Mosher’s preparation included easier practices to avoid tiring out her legs before the big race and increasing her carb intake. The day before State, the senior was led out of Fairbury with a police escort and some members of the community lining the path out of town. Also riding with Mosher was a few of her fellow runners.

“My favorite part of going to State was being able to spend time with five of my amazing teammates,” Mosher said. “I don’t think I would enjoy the sport as much if I wasn’t surrounded by such great friends. I had a lot of fun playing games and messing around at the hotel and on the van rides with them. The team is probably what I’m going to miss the most about cross country.”

Erica Mosher ’21 hugs teammate Alissa York following the NSAA Class C State Cross Country race.

The meet itself saw one of the coldest days of the fall thus far. Mosher was one of 115 runners in Class C competing that day.

“I am satisfied with my performance,” Mosher said. “I felt as though I started too quickly, but other than that I felt I ran well considering it was very cold. I did run my fastest time on that course so I’m happy about that.”

Including the district meet, Mosher finished within the top 30 in every pre-State meet except the UNK Invitational. In five of these meets, she placed within the top 15. To finish off her high school career, she earned a personal best time for the course.

“I am very pleased with how well my entire season went,” Mosher said. “Going into the season, I didn’t expect to accomplish so much and for my last season, I’m very proud of myself. I’m extremely thankful that I was able to have such an amazing season.”

Erica Mosher ’21 takes time to pose with Head Coach Drew Stone, Assistant Coach Steve Vonderfecht, former Head Coach Kristi Peterson, as well as a few of her teammates who were able to make the trip to Kearney (Alekzander Hunt ’23, Ethan Smith ’22, Alissa York ’22, Kacy Stark ’21 and Riley Wood ’21).