Bryna DelCastillo, the Coon Rapids eighth-grader who hoped to run in Thursday's cross-country sectional meet, may have run out of time.

The Anoka-Hennepin school board will not be amending the rule that would allow Coon Rapids' fastest runner to participate in the qualifying meet for the state finals, a district spokeswoman said Wednesday. The Minnesota State High School League allows seventh- and eighth-graders to compete in varsity events; the Anoka-Hennepin School District is the only district that requires all varsity athletic teams be composed solely of high school athletes.

DelCastillo, 13, can participate in the Anoka meet only if "there are no other runners available," district spokeswoman Ellen Perrault said. Teammates discussed quitting the team or forfeiting their varsity status to allow a spot in the event for DelCastillo but will not be doing that, Coon Rapids Athletic Director Kelley Scott said.

DelCastillo is 30 seconds faster than anyone on the varsity team, said her coach, Don Timm. Nearly the entire team came to Monday's school board meeting to support DelCastillo in her request.

PAUL LEVY