Each year the state's governing body for prep sports -- the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) -- tallies up points based on state tournament finishes, both team and individual, to determine the winner of the Challenge Cup, which recognizes overall excellence using points based on each school's success in fine arts and athletic state tournaments.
We looked at the 12 schools that fall within Washington County and how they fared in the Challenge Cup standings.
Stillwater (Class 2A boys' cross-country and Class 3A softball team titles, second in the Class 3A girls' golf tournament) is first in the county and sixth overall. The Ponies scored points in 37 state tournament classifications: 13 team and 24 individual.
Runner-up Forest Lake had three individual state champions - boys' tennis, girls' diving and wrestling.
The strong showing by R.L. Alowonle in the boys' track and field meet - four first-place finishes - helped Park of Cottage Grove move into the county's top five.
Here is how the 12 schools fared in statewide standings in their respective classes.
Challenge Cup standings
6. Stillwater432.0
26. Forest Lake185.0
