Bush’s runner-up finish at state meet snares award
Saratoga standout helped team to the Class A crown
Emily Bush, like the rest of her teammates from Saratoga Springs, went to the 2021 Class A girls’ cross country state championships intent on emerging with the coveted team title. Adding in an individual championship would have been all the better.
Bush was not quite able to secure the individual victory, yet she did manage to lead the Blue Streaks to the team championship as she finished second over the 5-kilometer course with a time of 17 minutes, 50.2 seconds.
“It is amazing. I really did like it,” Bush said Saturday regarding the course at Chenango Valley State Park. “It was great being able to come out and prove that we can win after a tough year. Overall, it was a great day.”
For her efforts, Bush has been selected as the Times Union’s Girls’ Athlete of the Week for the period of Nov. 8-14.
Saratoga Springs prevailed with a team score of 25 points, 20 points better than long-time rival Fayetteville-manlius from Section III. Bush and sophomore teammate Alycia Hart went out to the lead over the first mile, but both eventually were passed by race winner Izzie Sullivan (Fayetteville-manlius). Sullivan crossed the line in a time of 17:40.8.
Although she wanted to win Saturday, Bush came away from the event pleased with her overall performance.
“I am definitely happy. I kind of had a breakthrough recently, so I am now doing what I am capable of doing,” Bush said.
Following Bush for the Blue Streaks were Alycia Hart (fourth, 18:02.4), Mackenzie Hart (fifth, 18:03.6), Sheridan Wheeler (10th, 18:15.6) and Ella Kurto (11th, 18:21.8).
“I am really proud of us for showing up and doing what we are capable of,” Bush said. “It was a great experience.”
The Blue Streaks, winners of both the Federation meet and the Nike Cross National titles in 2019, look to lay claim to another Federation championship Saturday at Bowdoin Park.