Steelville High School sophomore Adalei Perkins earned her first career high school All-State cross country honors after finishing in the top 30 during the Nov. 6 Class 2 State Championship Meet at Gans Creek in Columbia. 

Perkins finished in 29th place out of 166 competitors by running a personal-best 20:16 time in the girls 5000 meter race.

She capped a successful sophomore season with All-State recognition after taking 14th place in the Oct. 31 Class 2 District 3 Meet in Owensville. Perkins was able to shave off 40 seconds in the State Meet compared to her 20:56 time in Districts.

She also earned the title of Gasconade Valley Conference (GVC) champion for the second consecutive season after winning first place in the GVC Meet on Oct. 19 at Hood Park.

She was able to have a strong sophomore season on the cross country team, while also playing for Steelville High School’s volleyball team. Perkins won’t have much time to rest, as she is expected to play a major role for the Lady Cardinals’ basketball team this winter.

SHS freshman Andrew Jensen competed in the Class 2 State Championship boys 5000-meter race after qualifying for it with a 12th-place finish at Districts six days before.

Jensen concluded his fantastic freshman campaign with a 99th-place finish in States after running a 18:10 time. He earned multiple medals throughout the season and received All-GVC honors after finishing in second place at the GVC meet.

Both Perkins and Jensen are expected to compete this spring for Steelville High School’s track and field team.