For the first time in more than three decades, the Mankato East boys cross country team has qualified for the state meet.

The Cougars scored 95 points in the Section 2AA Meet Thursday to finish second to host Willmar (89 points) and earn a trip to state. The 5,000-meter competition was held at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

“I’m so proud of these guys,” East head coach Todd Coyour said. “As a group they’ve put in over 2,000 miles the last few years, and today I think they’d say it was worth it.”

Sophomore Ryan Erdman was East’s top finisher, placing eighth with a time of 17:21.1. Senior Ochan Adome was right behind in ninth place (17:22). Rounding out the top five for the Cougars were senior Kale Karstens (17th, 17:43.9), sophomore Adam Lorentz (27th, 18:21) and senior Jacob Seifert (34th, 18:26.9).

“Our top three guys were just super today,” Coyour said. “Last year Ochan was 26th in the section and Erdman was 36th. That’s remarkable improvement.

“Lorentz and Seifert really picked it up today, too. It just goes to show that God does answer prayers. Sometimes it takes five years, but he answers them.”

Mankato West finished fifth as a team with 153 points. Senior Kale Burton led the Scarlets with a 24th-place time of 18:07.2. He was followed by teammates Colin Abrahamson (25th, 18:15.7), Aaron Umhoefer (33rd, 18:26.2), Trace Johnson (35th, 18:27.8) and Zach Storm (36th, 18:31.2).

The boys medalist was Trent Lusignan of Shakopee in 17:00.9.

In the 4,000-meter girls race, West’s Laura Hughes was only individual qualifier from Mankato. She placed second (15:47.0) behind Shakopee’s Maria Hauger (15:14.7).

Mankato East’s Bailey Thompson just missed qualifying for state, placing 11th in 16:14.6. The top 10 finishers in the section advance.

West finished fifth as a team with 129 points. Shakopee was first (80), Chanhassen was second (105) and East was 11th (252).

Following Hughes for West were Courtney Klemme (16th, 16:28.5), Holly Hankins (22nd, 16:34.4), Lydia Scallorn (26th, 16:40.8) and Sarah Van Natta (17:53.9).

Following Thompson for East was Emily Ludwig (48th, 17:21.1), Bethany Murray (51st, 17:30.1), Carissa Sanford (70th, 18:11.6) and Maggie Burneske (72nd, 18:16.6).

The Class AA cross country meets take place Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Olaf College in Northfield.