The Delaware Valley cross country team sent three runners to represent DV at the state championships, seniors Denali Hutzelmann and Vanessa Paolella and junior Jared Krick competed at the state championships in Hershey, Pa on Nov. 5.

Competing on the 3.1-mile course, Hutzelmann placed 126 out of 213 runners with a time of 20 minutes and 47 seconds and Paolella placed 134 out of the 213 with a time of 20 minutes and 52 seconds.

“Due to some construction the course has been changed, and many runners were even falling at the bottom of the new steep hills because of their momentum. The new course is still good, but it was a change for me,” said Paolella.

Krick who is the first boy to advance for DV to States in 12 years, placed 215 out of 258 runners with a time of 18 minutes and 46 seconds.

“I was really nervous because it was a big race and there were so many people on the start line, but it was fun,” said Krick.

Next year Krick will attempt again to advance to states, while Hutzelmann and Paolella will graduate as state competitors.

“It’s one of my favorite courses, and I was really happy to finish off my high school cross country career on it,” said Hutzelmann.