CALEDONIA – Gutsy is the best word to describe the performances of Oxford’s Katie and Emily Woodford at this weekend’s state track and field championships.

Katie and Emily Woodford each had runner-up finishes in their individual events, while the Woodfords teamed with Haley Witchella and Jessica Russo for aNOTHER second-place finish in the Division II 400-meter relay finals.

Also placing among the top-six was B-G/Afton senior Conner Fuller. Fuller was fifth in the Division II 3,000-meter steeplechase timing 9:43.85.

Oxford’s twin sisters, each making their third straight trip together to the state meet – the fourth overall for Katie – came in as top contenders in the 200- and 400-meter races. Katie Woodford, a two-time defending Division II state champion in the 400, finished second overall clocking 57.34 – over 1 1/2 seconds slower than her best time. Woodford re-injured her hip at last week’s Section IV state qualifier, and despite week-long treatment, was unable to race at 100 percent. “She ran a good 340 to 350 meters and was pretty strong,” said Oxford coach Irene DeJager. “You could see where the hip just wasn’t working the way it should have. Injuries happen and we’re definitely proud of her performance. She’s had such a wonderful career, and the last four years have been more than remarkable.”

Emily Woodford ran the best qualifying time in the 200-meter prelims on Friday finishing in 25.10. Still, Woodford’s time provided a narrow margin over the next best qualifier. She and DeJager both knew that. “We knew going in (to the finals on Saturday) that it would be a tough race, and there were several girls who ran similar times throughout the year,” DeJager said. “(In the finals), Emily ran a great race. Her start was phenomenal and she ran a beautiful corner. The last few strides, the other girl (Jessica Dunnigan) was right with her.”