Trojans harriers take second at Wamego
Yoder twins end high school career in sixth and eighth place
By RYAN RICHTER
Sports writer
The quest began already in the summer.
While many high school students were basking in the warm rays of the summer sun and sleeping in, members of the 2003 Trojan cross country team were waking early to begin training for its dream: winning its first ever Class 3A state title.
And the Trojans' training paid off Saturday at the state meet in Wamego.
For the third consecutive season, Hillsboro can again say it has the second best team in Class 3A.
Led by a sixth-place finish (16:39) in his final race of an amazing career, Aaron Yoder helped Hillsboro finish as runner-up to defending champion Kansas City-Christian.
Kansas City edged the Trojans 67-88 for the state title as Hillsboro held off their biggest rival of the season, third-place Ellsworth, by a sole point.
Both Aaron and his twin brother, eighth place finisher (16:55) Danny, sped up 15 seconds faster than last year's state times in their final races.
Putting the exclamation point on spectacular careers, the Yoders join the list of former Hillsboro greats Ben Penner, Ian Weisbeck, Tim Hodge, Mitch Goossen and Pete Richert.
"It was a great total team effort," said Trojan coach Stuart Holmes. "All the guys ran inspired, outstanding races today.
"We talked about running more aggressive than we did at regionals, and they went for that. The guys ran gutsy races and should feel good about what they've accomplished. It's neat to see their determination and hard work be rewarded with a great performance at state."
Hillsboro will have some huge holes to fill with the loss of the Yoder twins.
But juniors Kody Borg and Karl Magnuson will likely be the candidates to fill the Yoders' shoes as the team's leaders.
Borg and Magnuson each sped up 43 seconds faster than last year's times, finishing 23rd (17:27,) and 33rd (17:44,) respectively.
"Another key factor was how well Kody and Karl ran as they both ran outstanding races," Holmes said. "Kody only missed the 20th place medal by less than five seconds while Karl also ran a terrific race and ended up finishing four places ahead of Ellsworth's fourth runner which was a big difference from regionals.
"How well they ran can be seen in their time comparison from last year as both these guys ran right at 43 seconds faster than they did last year at state — outstanding."
Also having an outstanding day for Hillsboro was the freshman duo of Sean Leihy, Nate Holmes and sophomore Ric Johnson, making their debut at the state meet.
Leihy sped past a number of people and sprinted to a 62nd place finish of 18:25 to help improve the Trojans' team score.
Holmes came in 71st in 18:50, five seconds and three places ahead of Johnson.
"Running very well for their first time at state were Sean, Nate and Ric as they all finished under 19:00 and gained valuable experience for the future," Stuart Holmes said. "Sean has been a key runner for the team this year and contributed a lot as a freshman.
"I want to recognize Danny and Aaron for the outstanding job they have done in leading the team with their dedication to running in the off-season, their quality work ethic and attitude in practice every day, and for leading the team at meets in races.
"They have both medaled the last three years at state and have been a key part of teams that have earned three state runner-up trophies out their four cross country seasons.
"We had another large group of families at state, and I want to thank the parents for the support and encouragement that they have given to their own son or daughter as well as the other runners throughout the season.
"It has been a great year, and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to work with so many outstanding young people."
Class 3A state championship results
6. A. Yoder, 16:39. 8. D. Yoder, 16:55. 23. Borg, 17:27. 33. Magnuson, 17:44. 62. Leihy, 18:25. 71. N. Holmes, 18:50. 74. Johnson, 18:55.
