Jackson County Central eighth grader Naiya Ayers finished 51st place in her debut at the State Cross Country Meet on Saturday. 

Ayers finished the race in 20:22.2 at the University of Minnesota Les Bolstadt Golf Course. Huskies freshman Cora Pauling improved to 80th with a time of 20:54.8 in her second consecutive state run. 

Martin County West freshman Evelynn Christenson crossed the finish line 21:00.5 in the 84th spot. 

Audrey Brownell of Staples-Motley won the girls state championship in 18:17.2 and Cotter/Hope took home the team title with 116 points ahead of Redwood Valley with 121. 

Erik Semling of Cotter/Hope finished in 15:23.5 to win the boys state championship. Redwood Valley collected the team title with 86 points ahead of Luverne with 91.