Star-Journbal Editor
With temperatures in the 30s and 20 mph winds blowing the frigid rain, Saturday was not a good day for running. But it was a great day for a gut-check.
The six-man Hillsboro High School boys' cross country team dug deep to finish third in the Class 3A Regionals at Wichita Cessna Activities Center.
Finishing among the top three teams earned Hillsboro a trip to the Class 3A State Championship at 9 a.m. Saturday at Wamego.
Led by Sean Leihy (fifth place) and Cody McMillen (seventh), all of the Trojans turned in epic performances, said Hillsboro coach Stuart Holmes.
"Each individual persevered in his own battle with himself, the conditions and some determined competition," he said. "It was a pretty challenging day to run."
In cross country, runners are scored by place; the top teams have the lowest total scores.
Wichita Trinity Academy won the team competition with 50 points. Hillsboro and Hesston tied for second with 97. Halstead was fourth with 102.
With only 12 points from Leihy and McMillen, Nicholas Mueller was 18th, Johnathan Christian 31st, Nathan Vogel 36th, Matthew Klenda 46th, and Brandon McMillen 63rd.
"The guys were able to accomplish what few outside our team would have predicted at the start of the season," Holmes said.
Outstanding leadership by McMillen and Leihy, the only returning runners, made the difference.
"They've done a good job of leading the team at every practice and every meet, which helped the others see what it takes to be able to compete with the best," Holmes said.
"The guys should feel good about all the training and determined races they've run this year — they've worked hard and earned the opportunity to compete at state."
With a trip to state on the line, first-year runners Mueller, Christian, Vogel, Klenda, and Brandon McMillen, proved they have what it takes — the collective will to endure torturous pain for the sake of the team.
"All the young guys gave a great effort, and Nathan [Vogel] somehow ran his second fastest time!" Holmes said.
At the end of its magnificent and miserable run, the team was blanketed by a golden moment of glory and agony.
"It wasn't all that far to the bus," Holmes said. "But it took awhile for several to make it there because they were so exhausted from their efforts.
"It was neat to see, though, as teammates leaned on each other as well as parents to get to the bus and out of the [cold and rain]."
Regarding Saturday's state championship, Holmes said, "I hope they enjoy the moment and continue to run smart and determined."
In what proved to be a season spoiled by injuries, the girls were unable to field an entire team for the regional meet.
Even so, Holmes was pleased.
"The girls ran well and in spite of the tough conditions Elissa [Richert] ran her best race of the year," he said.
First year runners Jessica Elliott (39th place) and Heidi Schroeder (56th) paced the Trojans. Richert was 62nd and Hanna March was 75th.
"The team will miss the good attitudes that our seniors, Elissa, Hanna, and Megan McCarty, have shown through the years," Holmes said.
"We look to [sophomores Elliott and Schroeder] to come back even stronger next year and provide leadership for the girls' team."
