The girls of the Morgan Township Lady Cherokees cross-country team have written another chapter in their growing legacy—earning a fourth straight trip to the state finals, a remarkable feat for a single-A program competing in 4A-caliber company. With the postseason field stacked with larger schools and deep line-ups, the Lady Cherokees stand out as one of the select handful of single-A squads headed to the meet in Terre Haute, Indiana next Saturday. That kind of consistency and excellence is rare at any level, and it speaks volumes about the culture this team has built.
At the heart of the team’s success is a versatile and experienced lineup: seniors Peyton Bucher, Isabella Bryan and Ava Cowger bring leadership; juniors Shae Bucher and Jenna Abbring carry the momentum; and underclassmen Clara Meintz, MaKenna Bucher and Ella Buchko ensure the program is reloading—not rebuilding. Notably, Shae Bucher not only advanced with the team’s success, but also individually earned All-Regional honors by placing 15th overall at the New Prairie Regional—a performance that alone would have qualified her for State. That dual achievement—team and individual—underscores the strength of the upper-end talent and the depth supporting it.
Coach Joel Davis praised his squad’s grit and commitment: “These young women arrive to work every day, rain or shine, and hold each other accountable” he said. He added, “Their tenacity is unmatched — they chase each mile the same way they chase excellence: with focus, heart and relentless effort.” As the Lady Cherokees head into their fourth straight state appearance, the mantra remains clear: one step at a time, one practice at a time, one race at a time—together.
(Photo Credit: Kelly Bucher)