Coming in as runner-up at the state cross country meet last year has fueled the Crest High Lady Lancers to go for more in 2025.
They have an excellent shot at success. Every state-qualifier is returning to this year’s line-up.
“We’re coming in hot,” said Crest coach Caitlyn Cummings. “We want that title. We missed it by 5 points last year and we want it bad.”
Cummings has a squad of four, three of whom she’s coached all four years. Kallie Robb, a sophomore, is on varsity for a second year.
Crest continued its regional long-distance running domination into the spring with another handful of state track qualifiers. 
Over the summer, Crest padded its roster with a slew of incoming freshmen. An elite program, Coach Cummings believes in preparing runners from the bottom up and has her middle school program run alongside their high school counterparts at every practice.
“When these girls are gone, we’re going to have some moving up and it’s going to be hard to replace what we’ve built,” Cummings said. “It’s really cool to see what these girls can do, see their progression and how far they’ve come. They’re bringing home a trophy every year of their high school careers and hopefully another one this year.”
One runner looking to improve is senior Aubrey Allen, who missed the medal podium by just a few positions after taking 25th last season.
This season, she hopes to join fellow seniors Josie Walter and Peyton Schmidt, who medaled with fifth- and seventh-place finishes respectively.
“We want it. We want it really bad,” Allen said. “We’re going to have to strive hard because everybody wants a state title. We’re determined. We want it and we’re going to get it.”
The boys
The Lancers graduated a trio of strong runners last spring in Gunner Ellington, Elijah Taylor and Ryan West, which means they’ll be looking to sophomore Grady Allen to take leadership reins.
Despite being a bit leaner in 2025 than what they’ve grown accustomed to, Cummings believes the Lancers are not far from reaching the heights of their predecessors.
“I only have three boys out this year, two freshmen and Grady,” Cummings said. “They’re young but I think they’re hungry for competition. I’m excited to see what they’re going to do.”
Cummings noted they also have 18 middle school students going out for cross country.
Despite having an overall student population of less than 400, Cummings believes the school’s running reputation qualifies Colony as a “running town,” in league with Lawrence and its impressive Rim Rock race course.
“We are a running town. We have great athletes across the board,” Cummings said. “If you put in the work and show determination and dedication, then you’re going to see that. I definitely think Colony is a running town.”
