KENTUCKY STATE MEET

Van Laningham Repeats 3A Kentucky Title; Addison Moore Wins Third Straight

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

The 2025 Kentucky State High School Cross Country Championships, held Saturday at Kentucky Horse Park, delivered one of the fastest meets in state history, featuring repeat champions and historic team streaks across all three classes.

Paul Van Laningham of Cooper stamped his name further into Kentucky cross country history, winning his second straight 3A title in a meet record 15:01.12, an 18-second improvement on his own mark from last year. The Wisconsin commit became the first 3A boy to repeat since 2008–09.

Behind him, Lafayette put together a dominant team effort, led by senior Xavier Richardson (second, 15:14.34). All five Lafayette runners finished inside the top 20, earning the team championship with 56 points, just ahead of Trinity’s 61.

On the girls side, Woodford County senior Addison Moore captured her third consecutive state title in a meet-record time 17:38.31, finishing nearly 50 seconds clear of the field. The Assumption girls also claimed their third straight team championship, placing three runners among the top 17.

After finishing third last year, Joe Mayer of Covington Catholic broke through for the 2A individual title, running 15:44.15. Lexington Catholic secured the boys team title with 56 points, paced by freshman Mark Reinhart’s fourth-place finish.

The Lexington Catholic girls completed the program sweep, placing four runners in the top 20 to win their fifth team title and 10th overall. Individually, Baili Hoten of Thomas Nelson crossed the line first in 18:32.15.

James Gurley of Louisville Collegiate) repeated as the 1A boys champion, running 15:51.44 and leading his team to the boys team title (69 points).

In the girls race, Lilly Parke of Beechwood successfully defended her state title in 18:55.64. The Lexington Christian girls edged Owensboro Christian, 57–62, to repeat as 1A team champions after a close battle to the line.

Team Champions 

3A: Lafayette boys 56 points; Assumption girls 129 points

2A: Lexington Catholic boys 56 points; Lexington Catholic girls 63 points

1A: Louisville Collegiate boys 69 points; Lexington Christian girls 57 points