Kaitlyn McKinney runs for the Lady Warriors at the regional meet. McKinney’s time of 23:33.0 was a key part of the team's seventh-place finish, which secured a berth in the Sectional. —photo by Terri Cox

Lady Warriors XC Team Advances to Sectional; Richardson Qualifies for Warriors

Spread the love

Featured photo caption: Kaitlyn McKinney runs for the Lady Warriors at the regional meet. McKinney’s time of 23:33.0 was a key part of the team’s seventh-place finish, which secured a berth in the Sectional. —photo by Terri Cox


By Terri Cox | Sports Reporter

MATTOON – The Casey-Westfield cross country teams competed in the IHSA 1A Regional meet at Lake Land College on Saturday, with the Lady Warriors making school history by advancing as a team and Eli Richardson qualifying individually for the Warriors.

For only the second time in program history, the Lady Warriors team has advanced to the IHSA 1A Sectional. The team secured their spot with a seventh-place overall finish at the regional meet. Kayla Clark led the way, cracking the Top 10 with an impressive time of 20:17.2. Following Clark were Kaitlyn McKinney (23:33.0), Amelia Washburn (24:34.3), Olivia Henderson (25:44.7), and Savannah Lyman (29:29.0).

For the Warriors, Eli Richardson punched his ticket to the Sectional meet as an individual qualifier. Richardson earned a Top 25 finish with a time of 17:45.5. Also competing for the boys’ team were Rylie Large (18:18.6), Wade Winnett (18:46.1), Kaleb Perie (20:26.7), Brayden Clark (20:35.8), and Alex Hancock (22:44.2).

Wade Winnett navigates the course at Lake Land College during Saturday’s regional meet. Winnett finished with a time of 18:46.1 for the Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Savannah Lyman rounds out the course for the Lady Warriors. Lyman completed the race in 29:29.0, helping her team clinch its spot in the Sectional meet. —photo by Terri Cox

Rylie Large competes for the Casey-Westfield Warriors at the regional meet. Large finished the race with a time of 18:18.6. —photo by Terri Cox

Olivia Henderson races for Casey-Westfield on Saturday morning. Henderson contributed to the Lady Warriors’ team advancement with a final time of 25:44.7. —photo by Terri Cox

Kayla Clark had a standout performance for the Lady Warriors, finishing in the Top 10 with a time of 20:17.2. Her high placement led the team to its historic Sectional qualification. —photo by Terri Cox

Eli Richardson leads the way for the Warriors at the IHSA 1A Regional. Richardson earned a Top 25 finish with a time of 17:45.5, qualifying individually for the upcoming Sectional meet. —photo by Terri Cox

Kaleb Perie pushes through the regional course on Saturday. Perie finished the race with a time of 20:26.7 for the Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Brayden Clark runs the course at the regional cross country meet in Mattoon. Clark posted a time of 20:35.8 for the Casey-Westfield Warriors. —photo by Terri Cox

Amelia Washburn competes for the Lady Warriors at Lake Land College. Washburn finished with a time of 24:34.3, helping her team advance to the Sectional meet for only the second time in school history. —photo by Terri Cox

Alex Hancock strides toward the finish line during the IHSA 1A Regional meet on Saturday. Hancock completed the course for the Warriors in a time of 22:44.2. —photo by Terri Cox

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Court: Parents can’t sue teachers unions over illegal strikes

Court: Parents can’t sue teachers unions over illegal strikes

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square (Legal Newsline) - Parents do not have legal rights to sue teachers unions for calling illegal strikes, which allegedly lead to learning...
Environmental, tax issues weighed on $4M state-funded park

Environmental, tax issues weighed on $4M state-funded park

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Plans for a state-developed park just blocks from the State Capitol and in front of the Governor’s...
Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill

Illinois Quick Hits: State rep files Bears/megaprojects bill

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-Geneva, has filed the latest piece of legislation aimed at keeping the Chicago...
Report: Felon detained in Pritzker’s backyard

Report: Felon detained in Pritzker’s backyard

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report, a 10-time convicted felon on pretrial release was arrested in Gov. J.B....
Campaign finance analyst says indictment highlights gaps in oversight

Campaign finance analyst says indictment highlights gaps in oversight

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The federal indictment of Illinois state Rep. Carol Ammons and her husband, Champaign County Clerk Aaron...
Report: Block clubs save tax dollars despite government hurdles

Report: Block clubs save tax dollars despite government hurdles

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois policy analyst says Chicago block clubs have connected thousands of people to jobs, but city...
Illinois Quick Hits: Five dead, two hurt in East St. Louis shooting

Illinois Quick Hits: Five dead, two hurt in East St. Louis shooting

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Police say two teens have been arrested in connection with a targeted mass shooting that...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Superintendent Urges Board to Study County School Sales Tax

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education Meeting | June 22, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield Superintendent Shackelford told the board Monday, June 22, 2026, that a countywide 1% school facility sales...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for June 15, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 CASEY — The Casey City Council on Monday, June 15, 2026, approved the first ordinance in its 17-ordinance annexation cleanup program, authorized...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Declares Dilapidated 710 W. Main Property Dangerous and Unsafe

Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council approved Resolution #061526C declaring the property at 710 W. Main St. dangerous and unsafe, the first...
School reviews paraprofessional’s social media post about Trump

School reviews paraprofessional’s social media post about Trump

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Putnam County Community Unit School District #535 paraprofessional is facing criticism after a social media...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Awards $48,499 Motor Fuel Tax Bid to Lawrence Gravel

Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council approved Resolution #061526A awarding the city's 2026 Motor Fuel Tax maintenance contract to low bidder Lawrence...
Special investigation petition filed in Springfield after rep’s indictment

Special investigation petition filed in Springfield after rep’s indictment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House will convene a special investigative committee after 11 House Republicans filed paperwork Friday. House...
Illinois Quick Hits: Carbondale store owner sentenced for SNAP fraud

Illinois Quick Hits: Carbondale store owner sentenced for SNAP fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Carbondale store owner has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after he admitted to...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey to Seek $49,000 USDA Grant for Downtown Parking Lot Rebuild

Casey City Council Meeting | June 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council approved Resolution #061526B authorizing a USDA Rural Business Development Grant application for a $99,999 rebuild of...