Saadeh runs for Cyclones at state meet

Ranea Saadeh of Eastern View High School became the first EVHS girls cross country runner to qualify for the state Group AA meet.

Saadeh finished 65th in the meet Saturday. She ran a personal best 20:35. She is the first girl in the five-year history of EVHS to qualify for states.

Saadeh was chosen by Culpeper Times earlier this year as "Athlete of the Week."

"She is graduating early so she won't be back next year," said EVHS coach Paul Lutz in a Facebook message. "She set a goal of qualifying for the state meet and was very focused and determined to reach that goal. She is able to minimize distractions and is a lead-by-example person and she has an infectious smile.

"She has the desire to run at the next level and I fully expect to see her doing that."