Champions at Last: Lake Central Girls Bring Home Historic State Title TERRE HAUTE, IN. – The Lake Central girls' cross country team made school history Saturday, capturing the IHSAA Girls Cross Country State Championship and bringing home the first state championship in the history of Lake Central athletics. The historic victory also marked the first state championship won by a Duneland Athletic Conference school in 20 years. Competing against 25 of the state's top teams and approximately 250 individual runners at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute, the Indians delivered an outstanding team performance to claim the state title and etch their names into Lake Central history. Leading the way for the Indians was senior Macey Thompson, who earned an impressive eighth-place overall finish with a time of 17:35. Thompson's performance capped an exceptional high school career and was further recognized when she received the prestigious IHSAA Mental Attitude Award, honoring her accomplishments, leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication to her team and school. Lake Central's depth proved to be a key factor in securing the championship, with all seven runners contributing to the historic performance. The Indians' individual results included: Macey Thompson (Senior) – 8th place, 17:35 Chloe Neal (Senior) – 33rd place, 18:17 Lana Bruggeman (Junior) – 42nd place, 18:33 Willow Bruggeman (Freshman) – 55th place, 18:40 Sara Filippo (Sophomore) – 61st place, 18:43 Aubrey Neal (Junior) – 148th place, 19:34 Isla Eggering (Freshman) – 215th place, 20:25 The championship represents the culmination of an incredible season filled with commitment. After capturing their third consecutive regional championship and advancing to the state finals, the Indians saved their best performance for the biggest stage. For the first time in school history, Lake Central is home to an IHSAA Girls Cross Country State Championship team. A historic day for the Indians, a milestone for the Duneland Athletic Conference, and a memorable championship for all. Congratulations to our state champion Lake Central girls cross country team! Final Results: https://www.ihsaa.org/sites/default/files/documents/2026-27%20Girls%20Cross%20Country%20State%20Results.pdf The DAC also released its All-Conference Cross Country teams. Macey Thompson was named the Most Valuable Runner. Four other Indians were All-DAC: Lana Bruggeman, Chloe Neal, Willow Bruggeman, and Sara Filippo. Full press release is attached.