Three teams from the Long County Recreation Department won championships at the GRPA state cross country meet.

Winning titles were the 8 and under girls, the 12 and under girls and the 14 and under boys. Macey Higgason also won a state championship as the top individual finisher in the 14U girls race. It was the second straight championship for Higgason, who also broke the state record.

This is the second year for the cross country program at the Long County Rec Department.

“We are very proud of all of these kids for their hard work and dedication the last few months. We have some kids who have shaved over 7-8 minutes on their run times. That’s huge,” said Coach Karen Higgason.

Members of the 8U girls team were Yuna Edwards, Aryona Nicely, Poppy Phillippe, Evelyn Rahming and Gloralyn Rahmling. Members of the 12U girls were Bella Gardner, Aaralyn Ruise, Madison Spurgeon and Demi Wasdin. On the 14U boys team were Trevor Kuchar, Kelvin Hayes, William Lloyd and Xackery Magley. Kuchar also had the third-fastest time among the 14U boys.

“We also are very proud of two of our runners who age out this year from the rec and had great finishes,” Coach Higgason said. “We would not have had such a successful season without the support of some awesome coaches — Rusty Higgason. QP Bean, Katherine Ferrie, Kris Spurgeon, Nikki Magley, AJ Guerra and Allie Crooks, and lots of parents supporting.”