The Washington Demons are hoping that their excellent cross country season now includes a trip to the biggest stage when they compete in Class 3A state qualifying later today at Pella Sports Park.

Both Washington teams have put together excellent seasons, with the Demon boys in particular racking up five team victories on their way to being ranked 13th in the state in Class 3A, including taking their fourth straight Southeast Conference championship last week.

The Washington boys have finished top five in the team standings in eight of their nine meets, thanks in part to Andrew Rees and Tyler Alderton. The junior Rees got his first career victory by winning the conference meet last week and has five top-five finishes this season.

In addition to Rees, the 26th-ranked individual runner in Class 3A, Alderton has rolled up three victories and seven top fives in his senior season. Freshman Parker Tschantz, sophomore Ethan Hotchkiss and junior Sawyer Tschantz will also look to build on their all-conference honors.

The Demon girls have had many near misses with winning as a team this season, but they’ve also finished no worse than fifth as a team in every race this fall.

Leading the way has been junior Iris Dahl. The newly-minted Southeast Conference champion is ranked top-30 in the state and has four total wins and seven finishes in the top five.

Lauren Horak has also had a strong season with six top-10 times, while fellow seniors Alyvia Anderson and Kendall Hinrichsen join her in being an all-conference honoree.

The Washington girls are trying to make it to state as a team for the second time in three years., while the Demon boys are looking for a second straight appearance in Fort Dodge. Class 3A state qualifying races will begin at Pella Sports Park this afternoon at 4.