UPDATED: Gambill advances to state; Fougerousse concludes cross country career

Shakamak senior Drew Gambill (left) finished fifth at the Brown County boys cross country semistate Saturday. He qualified for the state finals, which will take place in Terre Haute Saturday, Oct. 31. (By B.J. Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

Shakamak senior Drew Gambill's high school cross country career will continue for one more week while Lady Laker senior Casey Fougerousse's career came to an end at the Brown County Semistate Saturday at Eagle Park.

Gambill finished fifth with a time of 16 minutes, 54.6 seconds on a muddy course, qualifying for the state finals (Saturday, Oct. 31 at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute).

"I felt like I had a pretty good race," said Gambill, who will be making his third consecutive trip to the state finals. "It was muddy just like last week at the regional, but it was even worse.

Shakamak senior Casey Fougerousse placed 51st at the Brown County girls cross country semistate Saturday. It was her fourth consecutive appearance at that level. (By B.J. Hargis/Greene County Daily World). [Order this photo]

"I think my first mile was in 5:08. The mud caught up with us after that. I placed fifth, which was my goal. I was right about where I wanted to be. I am happy to have one more week of the season."

Fougerousse did not make the top 15, which was required to advance.

She placed 51st, it was her fourth consecutive appearance. Her time was 22:30.1

"Casey really had a great career," said Gambill. "She really stepped it up this year.

"I think she worked harder than she has in the past and it showed with her making the semistate again. I know she was disappointed that she did not make it to the state, but she has a lot to be proud about."

Gambill will run at 1 p.m. Saturday in his final cross country event.

"I just want a chance to make the top 25 and have a chance to be up on that podium."