Extra Point (Fall)August 30, 2007<September 11, 2015

PBHS runners eye state return

by Hillsboro Free Press

The boys? cross-country team at Peabody Burns High School returns six seniors and letter-winners from a squad that came in fourth in Class 2A last year. The girls? squad returns three seniors. Pictured are: (from left) Aaron Topham, Jessica Rosine, Josh Klarmann, Ryan Wiebe, Duane Unruh, Erica Frederick, Ethan Riggs, Kendall Wiebe. Not pictured: Samantha Pickens. Andrew Ottoson. Click image to enlarge

While it may not be possible to replace two-time state champion Andrew Topham?s leadership and dedication on the Peabody Burns High School cross-country team, the returning Warrior boys are taking aim at holding on to their Heart of America League crown and making a return to state.

With Topham leading the way, the PBHS boys won their Class 2A regional and took fourth at state in 2006.

Returning senior Duane Unruh (personal record 17 minutes 56 seconds) finished 21st at the state meet with a time of 18:44. He leads a group of state qualifiers that includes senior Ryan Wiebe (19:12 personal best) and sophomores Aaron Topham (18:22 personal best) and Josh Klarmann (19:36 personal best).

Junior Kendall Wiebe (19:37 personal best) is the team?s fifth returning letter-winner.

Four runners return with junior varsity experience on coach Kim Topham?s squad: Curtis Frederick (19:46), Seth Methvin (19:56), Ethan Riggs (21:33) and Martin Hofkamp.

Freshman Sheldon Wiebe, the team?s only newcomer, has notched a 2-mile time of 12:06.

With four state qualifiers back, Kim Topham is looking for other runners to step up: ?We have three places in our top seven for the guys to fill.?

The girls? team consists of seniors Samantha Pickens, Jessica Rosine, Erica Frederick and two freshmen: Lauren Pickens and Heather Brooks.