Benton boys cross country to compete at state this weekend

By Jacob Meikel

2024 had been a year of firsts for this experienced group of runners from Benton boys cross country, and they may not be done just yet.

Over the weekend, the group captured its first district championship. Now, they earn themselves a trip to the Class 3 State Meet this weekend to add to their already successful season.

“We won a lot of meets this year, which is exciting. I knew we had the talent to win a district meet and that was really exciting for us. I’m glad we did it,” senior Tabor Bigham said.

This veteran-led team has tasted success in other sports and on an individual level, but it’s the team awards that have stacked up over the past few months. Benton also captured its first conference title as a group in their careers according to junior Kruz Bigham. Kruz and Tabor Bigham are brothers and are working together as part of a collective to meet new heights. The two brothers are proving to be leaders for a team that has a chance to end its season on a memorable note.

“We knew we would win districts, whether we were supposed to. No matter what, we knew we’re going to win districts. And it was very important. It’s something big leading us into the next weekend,” junior Kruz Bigham said.

Even though this team is mostly made up of seniors and juniors, there are three freshmen as well. With an obvious age gap, the team has found ways to cultivate a greater relationship as time has gone on. One thing is for certain, and that is they want the best for one another, and that includes the final meet this weekend according to junior Conner Jones-Taylor.

“I think that we’ve kind of built a family bond,” Jones-Taylor said. “So we’re all in this together, looking forward to the state meet. I think we just all have each other’s backs. We just believe in each other.”