In big meets, that is harder to accomplish because of the huge number of runners and the increased talent level of the participants.
Those things were certainly in play Saturday at the 3A state cross-country meet at Rim Rock for the Wellsville boys squad.
The Eagles finished seventh with 165 points.
“We did not quite end up as high as we wanted to,” Wellsville coach Tim Savage said. “We were hoping for another trophy this year, but we had five runners run their best times on the Rim Rock course. Our ‘pack’ that we have been running in throughout October was split up a bit and couldn’t get up high enough in what proved to be a fast race on a beautiful day to run.”
The Wellsville pack was back a bit with Cole Meyer leading the way in 34th place. The top three runners were separated by 10 places and 22 seconds.
This was the Wellsville boys’ fifth straight season where the Eagles qualified for state as a team, which tied the best string in school history.
“We had a great season though,” Savage said. “We won four meets, had six boys and a girl that were either all-league or all-league honorable mention, placed five boys in the medals at regionals, and have a number of runners that will be getting all-area recognition.”
“I would like to thank my seniors for all they have done,” Savage said. “Cole, Alex [Calderwood] and Ethan [Myers] truly helped in driving this boys team through to state and have helped get some of our underclassmen set up for another run at getting to the state meet next year. If we can get the boys team qualified next season it will be six consecutive years going to state, which we have never done at Wellsville.”
Savage said the community and school support gave the team members an extra boost during the season.
“Also thank you to all of our parents, families, and fans that came up to cheer us on Saturday, as well as all of our other meets, provided dinners and breakfast for the kids, and have been a large help in keeping this program thriving at the level it has throughout my coaching tenure,” Savage said. “I am excited to see just how much we can accomplish in 2013.”
West Franklin
West Franklin sophomores Cody Webb and Autumn Holloway made their second state appearance.
“Both ran faster races this year than they did last,” West Franklin coach Tara Huggard said. “Because they are both sophomores I know if they continue to work hard we will be seeing them compete a few more times at the state level.
“Overall they have both had a very successful season and should be proud of their accomplishments.
“I was very proud of Autumn and Cody as they represented West Franklin well at the state meet.”
Wellsville boys
34, Cole Meyer, 18:00.1; 39, Chase Bouse, 18:06.1; Alex Calderwood, 18:22; 54, Dillon Ware, 18:35; 66, Ethan Myers, 18:56; 70, Chris Adee, 18:59; 73, Brandyn Brewster, 19:08.
West Franklin boys
67, Cody Webb, 18:57.
West Franklin girls
64, Autumn Holloway, 18:03.