Cold Springs’ varsity girls dominated the field for their second consecutive Class 1A/2A title, while Holly Pond’s Travis Barnett sped to victory in the 3A competition at Saturday’s state cross country meet — held at the Oakville Indian Mounds in Danville.

Reese Swidecki led the Eagles with a second-place effort, while Macie Huffstutler (fourth), Paizley Whitlow (sixth), Claire Huffstutler (13th) and Ayla Kate Huff (21st) also contributed to the Blue and Gold’s team total of 34 points. Runner-up Athens Bible finished well back with 82.

Barnett, meanwhile, registered his fourth win of the season with a stellar time of 16:18.68, crossing the finish line more than 20 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.

In 6A, Cullman’s varsity boys brought home the Red Map with a runner-up finish to Mountain Brook.

Coach Speak: “I am beyond proud of our girls. Not just for their athletic performance, but their strong character as well. They not only represented our program, but most importantly, Christ. Before each race, they developed a ministry where they would give a ‘Little Jesus’ to a runner of another team or place Him somewhere someone else could find Him for encouragement. It was their way of witnessing Jesus to others. Honestly, they looked forward to their ministry more than any wins or losses. That has always been our mission — reflect and represent Christ. Cross country is not easy. It requires commitment and dedication. Our program isn’t about our Top 5 runners, it’s about everyone on the team. This was by far the deepest and most competitive team we have ever had. All the glory to God.” — Cold Springs coach Casey Howell

“Even though we won the section title the week before by a comfortable margin, our boys admitted that they didn’t manage their mental state well going into the race — kind of let their nerves get to them as they were too concerned with the outcome. Leading up to the state meet, the boys did a really good job of preparing mentally and physically. I was so proud of the way they responded, because that race was like rafting a wild, untamed river. It was a battle and our boys were mentally tough and responded in the midst of the race and won the positions that had to be won. They earned that Red Map 100 percent. It was a privilege for myself and other coaches to see them dig deep and deliver like they did. It brought tears of joy to my eyes, my heart was full and I was just so proud of them.” — Cullman coach Trent Dean

See local capsules from Saturday’s state meet below.

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Varsity Boys

Class 1A/2A

Team: Cold Springs

Place: Third

Top Runners: Sage Nelson (second), Drew Dykes (eighth), Logan Perdue (13th), Blake Belcher (46th), Blaize Anderson (66th)

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Team: Cullman Christian

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Garrett Scheer (58th)

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Class 3A

Team: Holly Pond

Place: Fourth

Top Runners: Travis Barnett (first), Joshua Putman (seventh), Matthew Putman (13th), Caden Moody (98th), Bryson Mullins (141st)

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Team: St. Bernard

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Cash Daly (33rd), Parker Guthery (36th)

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Team: Vinemont

Place: Seventh

Top Runners: Brady Johnson (third), Anakin Powell (46th), Andrew Landreth (57th), Clark Johnson (99th), Davy Johnson (114th)

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Class 4A

Team: Good Hope

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Drake Nichols (seventh)

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Class 5A

Team: Fairview

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Alex England (fourth)

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Team: West Point

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Rene Moreno-Tovar (seventh)

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Class 6A

Team: Cullman

Place: Second

Top Runners: Andrue Barnett (12th), Henry Crocker (26th), Connor Robinson (32nd), Cyrus Dawsey (37th), Jacob Taylor (48th)

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Varsity Girls

Class 1A/2A

Team: Cold Springs

Place: First

Top Runners: Reese Swidecki (second), Macie Huffstutler (fourth), Paizley Whitlow (sixth), Claire Huffstutler (13th), Ayla Kate Huff (21st)

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Team: Cullman Christian

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Elisabeth DeCicco (20th)

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Class 3A

Team: Holly Pond

Place: Fourth

Top Runners: Mila Edmondson (15th), Bella Gambrill (17th), Gracie Reid (27th), Kynleigh Wood (31st), Blakely Baggett (32nd)

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Team: St. Bernard

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Madi Kerber (13th)

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Class 5A

Team: West Point

Place: N/A

Top Runners: Dorothy Salter (74th)

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Class 6A

Team: Cullman

Place: Seventh

Top Runners: Addison Vogelaar (24th), Mabry Free (40th), Madeline Stidham (53rd), Khloe Nalley (77th), Ann Marie Land (87th)