Star-Journbal Editor
The Hillsboro boys' cross country team battled more than a tough course and top-notch competition Saturday to place ninth at the 3A state cross country meet.
They battled a bug as well.
"The guys ran hard once again, but unfortunately Cody and Sean were not 100 percent," said Trojan coach Stuart Holmes. "Cody was sick during the week and had been to the doctor.
"Also, I think Sean was coming down with a fever or something, because when we got back he had the chills even though he had a coat on and it was warm outside."
Just getting out of bed is hard enough when you're sick. Imagine what it must have felt like to be so far under the weather on the biggest race day of your life.
And wouldn't you know it? Saturday's weather was almost cruelly wonderful in Wamego.
"It was especially disappointing for Sean," Holmes said. "He'd been looking all season like a contender to be in the top 20, which would have earned him a state medal his senior season."
The team, which has only one senior and two juniors in the top seven runners, had entered the week hoping to finish in the top six.
Two weeks ago, with temperatures in the 30s and 20 mph winds blowing the frigid rain, the Trojans ran stoically to place second at the Class 3A Regonals at Wichita.
Leihy and McMillian led their young teammates through pain to glory, and everyone was geared up for another peak performance at the state meet.
But it was not to be.
"Sometimes athletics gives the opportunity to deal with disappointment with dignity and the guys were able to do that," Holmes said. "They should feel good about their efforts, because they can't do anything about untimely illnesses."
Hillsboro battled a very tough five-kilometer course at Wamego, running up the longest hill twice instead of once. The boy's times reflected this change.
Top finishers for the team were Cody McMillen 18:19 (25th), Sean Leihy 18:54 (49th), Nicholas Mueller 19:14 (63rd), Johnathan Christian 29:09 (89th), Matthew Klenda 20:10 (90th) Nathan Vogel 20:38 (96th) and Brandon McMillen 21:25 (103rd).
"I want to recognize all the seniors for their effort and leadership," Holmes said. "I want to thank the parents for their outstanding support of the team this year as well as Coach Robb, who does a great job helping with the runners."
