[sstack]

Highlands had won 4 straight AA state championships prior to yesterdays tie for 6th place. But there was no disappointment as they only had 4 team members older than 10th grade (lost many seniors and others chose not to return after a coaching change) and used a large number of middle schoolers who are good enough to be on the varsity team. HHS was only 0.7 pts from 5th place, 6pts from 4th place and 7 points from 3rd place. Highlands has a ton of young talented athletes who should get HHS back to state titles in two years, as the young field events athletes get more mature and stronger. Western Hills won state, but one athlete on that team was responsible for 40 of their 69 points (she is a great athlete) and it is very hard to replace a runner like her and stay on top (Highlands beat Western Hills in the regional meet this year). Highlands has team depth and should be hard to beat in the near future.