Running in weather conditions that made crossing the finish line a commendable accomplishment, the Hillsboro boys' cross-country team qualified for state with a third-place finish at regionals Saturday in Wichita.
"The guys were able to accomplish what few outside our team would have predicted at the start of the season from a group with only two returning runners," said coach Stuart Holmes.
Led by senior Sean Leihy and junior Cody McMillen, who placed fifth and seventh individually with respective times of 17 minutes, 47 seconds and 17:56, respectively, the Trojans finished with 97 team points.
The total tied Hillsboro with Hesston for second place behind Wichita Trinity with 50. The Swathers were awarded the runner-up spot because their No. 6 runner finished ahead of Hillsboro's.
Sophomore Nicholas Mueller placed 18th in 18:34, junior Johnathan Christian 31st in 19:11 and freshman Nathan Vogel 36th in 19:25 to round out Hillsboro's scoring.
Also competing for Hillsboro
in the field of 89 finishers were sophomores Matthew Klenda (46th,
19:46) and Brandon McMillen (63rd, 20:35).
"Our two returners are both excellent runners-Sean and Cody have done a good job of leading this team at every practice and every meet, which has helped the others see what it takes to compete with the best," Holmes said.
"All the young guys-Johnny, Nicholas, Nathan, Matthew and Brandon-also gave a great effort. It wasn't all that far to the bus from the finish line (after the race), but it took a while for several to make it there because they were so exhausted from their efforts."
Nasty weather conditions didn't make the 5-kilometer course at the Cessna Activity Center an easier to traverse.
"With the temperature only in the 30s, and the wind over 20 mph driving the rain, it was a pretty challenging day to run," Holmes said. "But each individual persevered in his own battle with himself, the conditions and some determined competition."
Injuries prevented the Hillsboro girls from competing as a full team, but four runners also prevailed against the weather.
Sophomores Jessica Elliott and Heidi Schroeder led the way. Elliott finished the 4-kilometer course in 39th place at 18:20 and Schroeder was 56th in 18:59.
Seniors Elissa Richert and Hannah Marsh capped their high school careers by finishing 62nd (19:11) and 75th (21:16) among 79 finishers.
Richert's time was her second-fastest of the season.
The Hillsboro boys will make the familiar trip to Wamego on Saturday along with qualifying teams and runners from classes 1A through 4A. The Class 3A boys' race is schedule to start at 9 a.m.
