Jefferson Girls Cross Country Headed to State

The Jefferson Jr. High School girls cross country team was unbeatable this season with an 8-0 record.

Now seven girls and two alternates will head to Normal, Ill., for the state cross country meeting.

Jefferson as a team came in third at its sectional meet. The top three teams from sectionals get to go to state.

Two Jefferson runners broke course records at sectionals. One of them was Lexi Dimovski, who came in first, running two miles in 11 minutes and 40 seconds. 

"I usually get second," Dimovski said. "Our top runner, Grace, she always gets first and always leads our team to win. She couldn't be at sectionals, so I just tried my best for her." 

Grace Maletich, at last week's Town Meeting, was out with the stomach flu, Dimovski said. 

Dimovski said she joined cross country last year because a friend had. She plays basketball and soccer for Jefferson, as well, and running cross country keeps her in shape. 

"It taught me to work hard and never give up and do the best you can," Dimovski said. 

The team is a "like a little family," she said. "We always support each other," Dimovski said. "We cheer each other on and push each other to do our best." 

Dimovski went to the state cross country meet last year and hopes to do better this year. The team has been running the course and practicing hills to prepare. 

After the state meet, Jefferson will compete in the conference meet at home on Wednesday. 

The following girls will compete at the state meet: 

Savannah Bell Juli Beierwalts, Danielle Crane, Lexi Dimovski, Trisha Garcia, Tania Gonzalez, Maddie Hartig, Gina Kowalewicz and Becky Versaskas