The names and faces change, but the championship legacy continues for the Harlan County girls cross country team.
The Lady Bears recorded their fourth perfect score of the season at the Class 2A Region 7 meet on Saturday en route to the fourth regional championship in the team’s 16-year history. Harlan County previously won in 2010, 2012 and 2015.
All seven runners finished in the top eight. They won the meet with 15 points (48 points ahead of Morgan County).
“I’m so proud of our girls team for their performance today. It was a total team effort and they did a great job of executing the race strategy we had,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “The times they’ve turned in today are incredible. It’s important that I recognize their times. We haven’t had the chance to run a lot of flat courses this season and these times are stellar.
“This is a huge accomplishment they should be proud of. They’ll remember this for the rest of their lives. They are a really talented team, and they have a huge opportunity ahead of them at state.”
Peyton Lunsford claimed the regional title, winning the girls race with a time of 19:54.88 and breaking her school record.
“I’m really proud of Peyton. Only three girls have won an individual regional title in our program’s history, so she is in elite company,” Vitatoe said. “She ran a great race. She’s the first girl in county history to run under 20 minutes for a 5k. She ran a fantastic race.”
Lunsford was immediately followed by Lauren Lewis (20:57.98), Gracie Roberts (21:08.44), Kiera Roberts (21:47.11), Preslee Hensley (21:47.20) and Charli Shepherd (21:48.69). Jaycee Simpson placed eighth with a time of 23:07.36.
“Lauren ran a great race today. Running sub-21:00 is a huge accomplishment, and to finish as the region runner up as an eighth-grader is huge,” Vitatoe said. “She’s a natural, and her best days as a runner are ahead of her.
“I’m so proud of Gracie. She ran a great race today. She just keeps getting better and I love her aggressiveness on the course. She was fantastic today.
“Kiera ran great today. She has improved so much this season, and it’s been really gratifying to watch her confidence grow as an athlete. I’m really proud of her. She has really developed as a runner this season.
“Preslee ran great today as well. She’s been under the weather a bit this week, but she turned in a dynamite performance, and it says a lot about her toughness and competitive drive. I’m really proud of her.
“Jaycee ran a great race today. To be in this position as a seventh-grader says a lot about her talent and toughness. She’s an all-around athlete, and she had a great race today.”
Vitatoe also gave recognition to the girls on the regional roster who did not participate: Addi Gray, Olivia Kelly, Taylor Clem and Aliyah Deleon.
“It’s important that we acknowledge all the girls that were on this regional roster,” Vitatoe said. “This is a close-knit team, and these girls have all worked so hard to make a day like today possible.
“Addi Gray is an incredible teammate and athlete. She’s a great leader in our program and we’re better because of her.
“Olivia Kelly is such an important part of what we do. She is our captain and a fantastic leader. I’m so happy she had the chance to experience this as a senior.
“Taylor Clem is a huge part of what we’ve built in the last four years. I’m happy she had the chance to experience this.
Aliyah Deleon had her season cut short due to an injury. She’s a huge part of our program, and I’m glad she was able to experience this.
“This was a great effort and this is a very special team. To run a perfect score in a regional championship is a huge accomplishment and one they’ll remember forever. Now we have to decide if it’s enough, or if we want to try to do a little more next week.”
Harlan County will advance to the Class 2A state championship meet Saturday at Lexington.

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After a six-year absence, the Harlan County Black Bears made their return Saturday to Class 2A Region 7 and promptly reclaimed their place at the top.
Harlan County won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 before being moved to Class 3A in realignment. After being placed back in their old home region this season, the Bears dominated Saturday’s championship meet at Morgan County with 20 points, defeating second-place Letcher County Central by 43 points.
“What an inspired performance by these boys. I am so proud of all of them. Their development this season has been amazing,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “Throughout the season I knew they’d have a great chance at region, and those chances increased as they continued to improve. They have improved as much as any team I’ve ever had in my 21 years, and it’s been a joy coaching them.”
Tanner Daniels claimed the regional title, winning the boys race with a time of 16:45.73.
“Tanner has had an amazing season, and I’m really happy for him to cap it with a regional championship,” Vitatoe said. “He’s in elite company in our school’s history as he’s only our third individual regional champion. He ran a fantastic race, and to run sub-17:00 as an eighth grader is fantastic. He’s special, and I’m so excited for him.”
Daniels was immediately followed by Elijah Moore with time of 17:40.15. Kaden Boggs (18:09.58) and Jacob Schwenke (18:27.81) were fourth and sixth, respectively. Evan Simpson (10th) finished with a time of 19:13.36. Caleb Schwenke placed 13th with a time of 19:44.46. He was immediately followed by Ethan Simpson (19:50.81).
“How about Elijah Moore? What a huge PR today. He absolutely hit the last half mile of this race hard, and I was really proud of his finish,” Vitatoe said.
“Kaden Boggs was very aggressive and ran a great race. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a good kid and teammate.
“Jacob had a great race as well. He did a great job of attacking in the last half, and he turned in a great performance. He’s such a hard worker and he just keeps getting better.
“Evan has improved so much this season. I love his heart and determination. He absolutely gave his best effort today. I was really proud of how he closed the race. He really hit the last mile hard with a gritty finish.
“Caleb Schwenke had a great race. He’s been so consistent this season, which is something he really came into the season focused on. He ran a really even race and I’m proud of him.
“Ethan also turned in a great performance. I’m proud of his growth this season.”
Vitatoe also credited the boys on the regional roster who did not participate in the regional: DaShaun Smith, Kaylob Stevens, Jonavan Rigney and Caden Craig.
“It’s important that we acknowledge all of our varsity guys. This accomplishment belongs to all of these guys as well. We are better because of their hard work.
“DaShaun Smith had huge improvements this season and I’m really proud of him.
“Kaylob Stevens is another young guy who works hard every day.
“Jonavan Rigney had a huge season this year. I’m really proud of him.
“Caden Craig is another one of our guys who shows up daily and gives his best effort.
“I hope all these boys recognize what an achievement this is. It’s something that they will remember all their lives. I’m really proud of them. Now the focus shifts to next week’s state championship meet. These guys have a real shot at finishing high if they come to race. I’m super excited for them.”
Harlan County will advance to the Class 2A state championship meet Saturday at Lexington.