Blackfoot boys and girls varsity teams both placed third in the district meet, Friday qualifying for state as a team. The meet was held at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls.

During the district meet both the girls and boys team competed against five different schools. The girls finished with a score of 74. The boys finished with a score of 70, tying for third with Preston.

“It felt fantastic knowing both varsity teams get to go,” Jacob Despain (12) said.

Austin Despain (10), Jacob Despain, and Nate Blackwelder (10) all medaled in the top 15. Jacob Despain medaled in eighth, Austin Despain medaled in 11th, and Blackwelder medaled in 12th.

“Going to state feels great and everything, but the overall feeling is desperation. I say that because we’re so close to being state champs, and we’ve wanted it so badly all season that we’re going to run with desperation because we want it so badly,” Blackwelder said.

The varsity boys team of seven that will be competing at state includes: Austin Despain, Jacob Despain, Blackwelder, Parker Marshall (11), Derek Thomas (12), James Cannon (11), and Trevor Robertson (11).

“I feel it’s a great thing for both teams to go because both girls and boys showed how hard they wanted to go. It also shows that Broncos are a strong team in districts,” Marshall said.

Abby Hurst (12) and Tenleigh Smith (9) both medaled in the top 15. Hurst medaled in second and Smith medaled in fifth.

“I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be on a team that has worked hard enough to make it to state this year. I’m excited to compete with them. We’ve all grown so close over the season and have pushed each other to always do our very best,” Emily Overmeyer (9) said.

The varsity girls team of seven that will be competing at state includes: Hurst, Smith, Shakayla Morgan (11), Kristen Thomas (10), Sydney Crumley (9), Kaitlyn Jensen (11), and Overmeyer.

“I’m very proud of them. They put in a lot of hard work and got to see it pay off,” Coach Jason Lish said.

The state meet will be held on October 28th at Eagle Island State park in Boise, Idaho.