All of the hard work, dedication and perseverance was put to the test for Lafayette when they competed in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) State cross country championship on Nov. 7 at the Oak Hills golf course.

After winning the State championship last year, the Lancers looked to defend the title for the second year in a row and they did just that.

Devin Meyrer, senior, capped off his last year of eligibility with a finish time of 14:49 and took first place for Lafayette. 11 seconds behind him was Austin Hindman, junior, and then in fifth place was Alec Haines, senior, who had a solid time of 15:23.

The Lancers were rounded out by senior Dylan Quisenberry, who finished 11th with a time of 15:41, and junior Tommy Laarman, who finished 31st with a time of 16:05.

Lafayette racked up only 37 points to take their second consecutive State title while Rockhurst, second place, scored 129 points.

Lafayette will lose seniors Alec Haines, Devin Meyrer, Dylan Quisenberry and Ryan Rigabar. With another State title, Lafayette will have some big shoes to fill.

The Lady Lancers cross country team finished second place last year at State, but they captured first place this year.

Senior Anna West took first place with a time of 17:05 and Sarah Nicholson, senior, finished second with a time of 17:24. About a minute later, Grace Breiten, senior, finished ninth with a time of 18:25.

Lafayette was rounded out by sophomore Mollie Rogan, who finished with a time of 18:57, and senior Julia Romero, who finished with a time of 19:05. Their total score was 51 points and beat out Raymore-Peculiar High School by 63 points.

With both girls and boys cross country winning State this year, Lafayette is very well-known, not only around the state of Missouri, but also around the Nation. Expect Lafayette to be right up in top rankings for next year as they compete for another title.