Liberty junior Emily Jobes was crowned the EPC girls cross country champion after finishing her race with a time of 19:14 at the EPC Cross Country Championships last Tuesday at DeSales University.

“I was very excited because I worked really hard and to see how far I’ve come,” said Jobes. “It was exciting to see my coaches and teammates [at the finish], and representing Liberty.”

Jobes began the race conservatively, staying with the pack during the first mile.

“In the woods, I started to push, and when I came out of the woods, I knew there was one mile left,” she said. “Going into the cornfield, there is a substantial hill that can make or break your race.”

Stroudsburg’s Ciara Conboy, who placed second in 19:39, remained behind Jobes, but not knowing how far, Jobes kept pushing.

“I’m going in [to districts] with the same strategy and to do my best,” said Jobes.

Liberty teammate Belle Weikert placed sixth with a time of 20:01, and Freedom’s Lauren Charboneau placed eighth with a time of 20:09. Both also medaled.