The Park Hill South girls’ cross-country team is relying on a pair of sisters – senior Ella Conklin and freshman Madi Conklin – this fall.
Ella Conklin was the only Lady Panther who made it to state last fall, finishing in 78th place out of 163 runners in the Class 5 State Meet with a time of 19:58. The senior has been Park Hill South’s top runner in the past, but that may change with her sister on the team.
Park Hill South senior Ella Conklin was the only state qualifier for the Lady Panthers in 2021.
“Ella was consistently our number one runner last year, but I think Madi will fight her for it,” Park Hill South girls’ cross-country coach Pamela Jurgensmeyer said.
Park Hill South has a trio of juniors who will be fighting for the three through five spots with
Lauren Bishard, Mackenzie Wright and Mia James. The Lady Panthers are also returning letter winner sophomore Delaney Nash.
“Mackenzie put in some good times in the 4x800 last track and field season, and she was close to qualifying for state at the district cross-country meet when she finished in 31st place. I really feel like on any given day, our third girl can be one of five,” Jurgensmeyer said.
There are three other seniors who join Conklin: Josie Gooden, Aniya Coleman and Kayla Canchola. Conklin and Gooden are the team captains and Canchola has a solid chance to crack at the top-7.
“I think that just getting solid low scores and having our top girl consistently challenge in the top-10, that can help so much and get that two through four more consistent. We had a good summer, and their work ethic is good,” Jurgensmeyer said.
The Kansas City Suburban Conference was realigned this season, with Park Hill South being moved to the Silver Division. Lee’s Summit, Lee’s Summit North, Liberty, Park Hill and Staley will also be in that division.
“Our conference is a lot tougher than it has been so that will definitely be interesting to see how we play out there. Our goals are that we want to make it to state as a team, have a good time and build lifetime runners,” Jurgensmeyer said.