Trojans win Smoky Valley meet
The Trojan cross country team has known that in order to make it back to its destination at Wamego, it would need to a good start to the season.
The Trojans and Coach Brian Kennell got the season off on the right foot Sept. 5, opening with a first place victory at the Smoky Valley meet at Lindsborg.
Hillsboro appeared ready to pick up right where it left off in 2001 with the Yoder twins Aaron and Daniel taking first and third in the varsity race, respectively.
"The guys ran very well at the meet," Kennell said. "Our five medal earners were a highlight. Aaron's first-place finish was a very good accomplishment.
"His time of 17:35 is an excellent time on this course since it is one of our slower courses. It's a hilly course."
Daniel Yoder finished the race in 18:26.
It was hard for Kennell to get a good perspective on how his team has improved as sickness and cramps hampered Nick Unruh's and Sammy Espada's performances.
Despite feeling ill, Unruh finished 24th in the junior-senior class with a time of 21:56.
Espada fought through cramps to place 16th in 23:37 for the junior varsity class.
Sophomore Kody Borg got his season off to a good start, taking second in the JV class in 20:13, 41/100 of a second quicker than third-place finisher Karl Magnuson.
Daniel Bookless finished seventh for the Trojans' JV team in 21:28 to complete the five Hillsboro medalists.
"This was the type of start we wanted," said Kennell. "We know that we have to have steady improvement throughout the year to find our way back to Wamego.
"This sets us up for the improvement we need."
The Trojans travel to Hesston today for a 4 p.m. start.
The Swathers are a team that Kennell believes to be worthy of challenging the Trojans for the league crown.
Varsity results
1. A Yoder, 17:35. 3. D. Yoder, 18:26. 24. Unruh, 21:56. 28. Michael Bookless, 22:22. 30. Tyler Stout, 22:44. 32. Billy Winegarner, 23:16. 42. Michael Fisher, 26:52.
Junior varsity
2. Borg, 20:13. 3. Magnuson, 20:54. 7. D. Bookless, 21:28. 16. Espada, 23:37. 19. Robert Jost, 24:21.
