Juan Diego Catholic High School freshman Ella Kerrigan finished 16th at the 3A state cross country championships at Sugar House Park Oct. 30. She finished the 3-mile race in 20:39.85. Senior Domiona Marine was 52nd. “They both had what can be seen as their best performances of the season for state which is a great accomplishment,” said JDCHS head coach Andrew Zinman, noting that nearly all of Juan Diego’s runners on the girls team, who placed third in Region 14, steadily improved their times throughout the season. On the boys side, senior Mango Madden was in the top 50 with a 48th place showing, running the course in 17:42.43, with senior Sebastian Galindo-Ramirez coming in 68th and sophomore Seamus Arndt 72nd. “They all had strong performances at state, and I am really proud of them,” Zinman said. “We were on the whole improved from last year’s team, [running] faster times than last year’s. I was very pleased with the progress many of our athletes made this season and overall there were many great runs throughout.” Between the two varsity lineups, five will graduate, but Zinman is optimistic for next year’s squad. “There are many returning talented runners with a lot to build upon going forward,” he said. (Photos courtesy Andrew Zinman)