Delozier races to Class 2A state cross country title

MIDWEST CITY — Vanoss sophomore Kinley Delozier left the competition behind Saturday at the Class 2A State cross country meet at Carl Albert High School.Delozier pulled away from the field to capture the individual state championship, beating her nearest competitor by nearly 20 seconds.She crossed the finish line in 12:10.70, well ahead of runner-up Ember Stevens of Hooker, who clocked a 12:30.50. Presley Smith of Caney Valley finished third in 12:39.00, Parker Morris of Sayre was fourth in 12:41.50 and Graycie Welton of Watonga placed fifth in 12:45.20.Vanoss coach Jonathan Hurt, who also coaches Delozier in basketball, said the talented sophomore’s latest accomplishment came as no surprise.“Winning a state championship is an incredible achievement, but knowing Kinley and how she’s wired, I can’t say I’m surprised,” Hurt told The Ada News. “As a freshman, Kinley finished seventh at the state meet, so we knew she had the ability to compete at a high level.”The Lady Wolves finished seventh in the team standings with 214 points. Tonkawa placed sixth with 204 points, while Watonga followed Vanoss in eighth with 220.Delozier’s championship is even more impressive considering the demands of her busy athletic schedule. She had just helped the Vanoss softball team reach the Class 2A State semifinals and was already participating in basketball workouts leading up to the cross country state meet.“This was Kinley’s personal best time, which makes it even more impressive considering how involved she is in other sports,” Hurt said. “She doesn’t have the opportunity to fully commit to cross country year-round like some runners do.”Hurt said Delozier’s relentless work ethic separates her from many other talented athletes.“She’s obviously a gifted athlete, but her competitiveness, work ethic and mental toughness are what make her special. When she senses an opportunity to beat you, you’re in trouble,” Hurt said.Vanoss junior Kelbi Williams, competing in her first cross country season, turned in an impressive performance of her own, finishing 11th in 12:53.90.Rounding out the Vanoss contingent were senior Riley King, who finished in 15:08.70; sophomore Maesyn Cox, who clocked a 15:27.00; and junior Naomi Baldinger, who crossed the line in 17:48.00.