Farmers Clinch Spot in State Tourney

Sterner,” DeRouin said.

Sterner came in 33rd place overall with a time of 26:11. Kalani Wainwright and Candice Pauole rounded out the scoring finishers for Molokai in 43rd and 45th place.

DeRouin said that most of the girls on the team run to stay in shape for other sports like wrestling or basketball. However, he said this season both he and his runners learned how exciting race day can be.

“I think we improved greatly over the season and we all have a very different perspective on cross country as a sport,” DeRouin said.

 The Farmers were racing short-handed because of losing two runners during the race. One runner could not finish due to cramps and another was disqualified because she did not correctly complete the course.

“It was a pretty tough course. It was very confusing and things kind of zig-zagged around at the end,” DeRouin said.

Molokai wasn’t the only team that had trouble following the confusing finish. Maui High’s Rocky Balala was leading the boys’ race until the last 500 meters when he took a wrong turn and had to retrace his steps to avoid being disqualified. His mistake gave both Perez-Garreaud and Ringor a chance to pass him just before the finish line.