Trojans run away with second place in State Cross Country meet

 

By CHARLIE HUST

Webster County boy’s cross country team made school history on Saturday, capturing the runners-up trophy in the 2014 KHSAA Class 2A State Championship held at the Kentucky State Horse Park in Lexington.

It was the best finish ever for the tradition-rich Trojan cross country program as coach Todd Whitsell and his group of talented runners continue to make their mark as a statewide powerhouse. Whitsell took over the WCHS cross country program in 2007 and has taken his squads to the state meet in all but two seasons. But this team was ‘special’ from the opening race of the season, winning four invitational meets along with a Class 2A, Region 1 title two weeks ago.

“What a team performance today,” Whitsell stated. “These guys started believing in themselves about the middle of October and never gave in to the tough demands of training. They would feed off each other in meets and practice and they’ve become the most closet team I’ve ever coached. They’re like brothers and they just love to compete and they’ve worked hard to get better, faster and stronger each and every day.”

North Oldham won the state crown with a very impressive 49 points, taking six of the top 20 spots. The Trojans were close behind in second place with 96 points, led by an outstanding fourth-place overall finish from Mitchael Shelton with a 16:50.38 clocking. Ethan Shuley of Highlands won the individual title in 15:58.14.

Another WCHS junior Trevor Cole was 15th overall in 17:16.50.

“Mitchael and Trevor have led this team all season long and Saturday was no exception. And our 3-7 runners really stepped up and closed the gap between the top runners and played a very key role in today’s race. They listened, they trained and they believed ... everything else just fell into place today,” Coach Whitsell continued.

The WCHS coach also sang the praises of his lone senior Robert Daugherty. A valued teammate who had been running in the sixth-position all season long for the Trojans, saved his best race for last on Saturday, finishing fourth on the team and 33rd overall with a 17:40.24.

“What can you say about him, he wanted to end his career as Trojan with a great showing and he certainly didn’t disappoint us. He really stepped-up and I’m so proud of him,” Whitsell said of his senior, who began running for the Trojan coach as a fifth grader in Whitsell’s very first year as head coach.

Ronin Periard, just a sophomore, was WC’s third runner in, finishing 21st in 17:28.15. Preston Glazebrook, another junior, was 38th overall with a 17:44.50 clocking.

“Ronin was solid once again, just like he’s been all season long. And Preston has been clutch the last month of the season,” he continued.

First-year runner Cole Hazelwood, another junior, was 50th overall in 17:59.84.

“Cole has been a solid contributor in his first year on the squad. He works hard and has been a top runner everyday in practice even though he’s our fifth runner on the team,” he added.

Webster sophomore Reece Clayton was the last Trojan in at the state meet, turning in a 21:14.19 clocking for 197th position out of the 217 runners in the race.

“Reece has put in the work all season and earned a spot as the number seven runner. And Spencer McCormick was waiting in the wings if someone was unable to run, he was ready to fill in right away,” Whitsell emphasized. “I would like to thank all of the parents, teachers and our community for the support they have shown for this team, it’s been an incredible ride and I’m just so very proud of these young men.”

Class 2A, State Finals

Boys’ Results

1. North Oldham 49

2. Webster County 96

3. Highlands 110

4. Shelby County 185

5. Covington Catholic 196

6. Lexington Catholic 212

7. Russell 230

8. Wayne County 255

9. Boyle County 258

10. Warren East 312

11. Boyd County 346

12. Christian Academy 385

13. Edmonson County 386

14. Spencer County 396

15. Ashland Blazer 455

16. Elizabethtown 466

17. John Hardin 471

18. Bell County 475

19. Calloway County 481

20. Scott 487

21. Fort Campbell 498

22. McCreary County 501

23. Nelson County 508

24. Johnson Central 658

25. Letcher Central 701

26. Perry Central 739

27. Leslie County 761

In the girls’ Class 2A, State Championships, a very young WCHS Lady Trojan squad finished 16th overall, led by Hadley Mitchell in 67th place.

The Webster County eighth grader, making her second appearance in the state meet, finished with a 22:12.37 clocking. Collins High School sophomore Gabriella Karas won the individual title with an incredible 17:57.70 time. Highlands won the state team title with 107 points.

Colleen Glazebrook, another WCHS eighth grader, was next across the finish line for the Lady Trojans, finishing 81st in 22:26.16. Paige Tapp, making the most of her final run as a Webster senior, was close behind in 83rd position with a time of 22:28.73. 

Chanler Cole, a sophomore, was Webster’s fourth runner, finishing 124th with a 23:25.95 clocking while Kendra Griffin, a freshman, placed 131st in 23:37.59.

Kaile Branson, another sophomore, finished 140th (23:46.26) while Lady Trojan senior Hannah Pritchett completed the score sheet in 151st position (24:10.18).

Class 2A, State Finals

Girls’ Team Results

1. Highlands 107

2. Christian Academy 140

3. North Oldham 152

4. Collins 174

5. Lexingon Catholic 206

6. Rockcastle County 248

7. South Warren 286

8. Elizabethtown 309

9. Trigg County 336

10. Scott 340

11. Edmonson County 345

12. Boyd County 346

13.   County 352

14. Wayne County 360

15. Franklin County 388

16. Webster County 391

17. Nelson County 399

18. Boyle County 403

19. Fleming County 404

20. Mason County 407

21. Calloway County 420

22. John Hardin 440

23. Russell 446

24. Johnson Central 552

25. Letcher Central 645