For some on Northampton High School's cross country team, there were big surprises, and for others, there was genuine relief at the District XI Cross Country Championships last week at the Bethlehem Municipal Field.

Perhaps the biggest surprise came to Jessica Hendricks, a freshman, who qualified for the PIAA State meet by placing 11th at districts in 20:10. The week before, Hendricks placed 25th at conference championships.

"I was not expecting this. [Teammate] Hayley [Jackson] said leagues usually demonstrates how you'll do in districts. [Coach Dan Benner] was so surprised. He gave me a huge hug," Hendricks said.

Hendricks started the race by being more aggressive than she had been at leagues.

"I went out faster. I really picked it up at mile two with Hayley and stuck with her until the end. I'm ecstatic. I'm still in shock. I kept telling myself, I'm going to states, I'm going to states," she said.

Jackson, a senior, will also represent the Konkrete Kids at the state meet after placing eighth at districts in 19:58.

"Everybody got a fast start today. My time was a lot better. The race was a lot faster, and it pushed me along. I was nervous today. It was a lot of pressure, but good pressure. I'm really happy. I'm relieved," Jackson said.

The boys race was also faster than conference championships the week before.

Senior, Chris Traugher, placed 19th in 17:30, and will be the third member of Northampton's cross country team to compete at the state meet on Saturday.

"I just got out to an explosive start and tried to get out right away. I would have liked to [finish] better, but I can settle with that. [The weather] was a little too cool, but [the race] was good," Traugher said.

Also competing at districts for the K-Kids were Tyleen Lopez, Tatiana Lopez, Kim Larena, Charlie Amore, Lyndsey Gallagher, Justin Nikles, Andrew Martuscelli, Lucas Yost, Jon Stevens, Noah Durnin, and Kendrick Schell.

The PIAA State Cross Country Championships are scheduled for Nov. 2 in Hershey.