By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The St. Charles girls cross country team wrapped up its fourth consecutive district championship Wednesday, topping Lutcher and Plaquemine at the District 9-3A championship meet at Highland Park.

The Comets’ Reyna Lubin also captured her third consecutive district crown at the event.

St. Charles scored 18 points to top second place Lutcher, which scored 36.

“I think it shows the kids that what we do in the program is worthwhile,” said St. Charles coach Matt Monica. “It breeds enthusiasm. We hope more kids see this and that it makes them want to come out and run.”

In addition to Lubin (time of 22:52), Erica Blank (second place, 23:00), Kelly Lienhop (third, 24:32) and Joanna Casadaban (fifth, 25:20) all placed in the top five.

Plaquemine won the boys meet with a score of 27. Lutcher (46) finished second. St. Charles finished third.

Chris Graugnard topped Comet runners, finishing sixth with a time of 20:33. Cody Burns (21:57) finished tenth. Mark Folse (22:04) finished 11th and Jonathan Arnould (22:06) finished 13th.

Monica says that Lubin’s work ethic is what sets her apart in these district meets.

“She sets the tone for our team,” said Monica. “She works so hard in practice. I think the girls feed off her, and a lot of the guys as well. She’s a coach’s dream.”

Monica also gave a nod to Blank, Leinhop and Graugnard for their performances.

“Those are all seniors, and they did what you’d expect,” he said.

Now, the Comets eye Tuesday’s beginning of the state meet in Natchitoches.

“Our goal every year is to beat our ranking the previous year. Last year we did it by two spots for the boys, and one for the girls.”

Last season, the SCC boys finished 11th. The girls finishes 17th.