McDaniel Medals Fifth, Phillips and Ames Turn In Strong Finishes for Clark County at State Cross Country Championships

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Clark County runners made their mark at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Cross Country Championships, held Nov. 7–8 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, as senior Mason McDaniel earned a top-five state medal while teammates Malaki Phillips and Presley Ames also delivered strong performances against elite competition.

McDaniel capped his high school career with an outstanding race, clocking 15:59.4 to finish fifth overall among Missouri’s best Class 2 runners. His sub-16-minute time put him on the awards podium and cemented his place among the state’s premier small-school distance athletes. The finish marked the culmination of a stellar senior season that included multiple first-place victories and a district bronze medal.

Also competing for the Indians, senior Malaki Phillips finished 57th overall with a time of 17:49.0, closing a consistent and successful season in which he played a key role in the program’s return to the state stage.

On the girls’ side, sophomore Presley Ames represented the Lady Indians with pride, completing the 5K in 22:46.0 to place 106th overall in a field of more than 170 of Missouri’s top runners. Ames’ steady performance on the rolling Gans Creek course showcased her determination and progress throughout the season.

The Class 2 individual titles were claimed by Wyatt Klaiber of El Dorado Springs (14:51.0) and Addison Smith of Lexington (18:33.0), both leading their respective races with dominant performances.

For Clark County, McDaniel’s state medal, Phillips’ solid finish, and Ames’ promising debut reflected the depth, discipline, and growing success of the Indians’ cross country program — setting the stage for continued strength in seasons to come.