Elizabeth Kettler

Heading into the season, the Hiawatha girls cross country team found themselves ranked second in the state of Kansas according to Kansas Milesplit with senior Elizabeth Kettler ranked second in state.

Kettler proved last Thursday in her first meet this season why she is so highly ranked, as the senior claimed the individual title at the Hiawatha Invitational with a time of 21:11.44 which was nearly 40 seconds faster than the second place finisher.

Last season Kettler helped lead the Redhawks to a 3A state championship, finishing in 10th place after capturing a regional title.

In her career Kettler has a personal best time of 19:24.00, which would’ve taken second place at the state meet last season.

Kettler will look to continue her strong start to this season and get Hiawatha back to the state meet once again, as the Redhawks will continue their season Thursday at the Nemaha Central Invitational.