*Courtesy of the Cadillac News

BUCKLEY — One step closer to their biggest goal.

Buckley took first in an MHSAA Division 4 cross country regional it hosted Saturday, putting the Bears closer to the big prize — the top tier of teams at the state finals.

Buckley was first Saturday with 44 points while Mason County Eastern was second at 50 and Grand Traverse Academy third at 67.

Those three schools qualify as a team for next Saturday’s state finals at Michigan International Speedway.

It’s the first time in 23 years that the Bears have qualified as a team for the state finals, coach Jolie King said. She’s still searching for if and when Buckley had taken first.

Winning it wasn’t easy.

“Mason County Eastern came on tough today,” King said. “Those girls wanted it badly and gave some of us — myself included — a little scare. Our girls stayed with the plan and ran really well.”

Senior standout Aiden Harrand re-set her own course and school record, taking first in 17:39 in what was her final run on the home venue.

“I can’t really talk about what Aiden has accomplished without tearing up,” King said. “She’s a class act, completely loves this sport, her school and the community.”

Brooklynn Frazee took fifth in 20:31, Kinsey Peer seventh in 20:37, Mikayla Kulawiak 15th in 21:13 and Kaylee Swanson 22nd in 21:46.

The Bears now set their sights on the podium at the state finals.

“Our goal for the entire season has been to make the podium at the state finals,” King said. “Our rankings have fluctuated all season and we know Johannesburg-Lewiston and Whitmore Lake are going to be tough but the race still needs to be run.

“These girls have demonstrated time and again that they are willing to do what it takes and run for each other.”