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BSS/SAS Enjoy Another State Experience |
Springfield, IL (October 12, 2002) — Running in State competitions is not
uncommon when BSS and SAS get together to form a team. Their first Co-op Track
team was formed in early Spring 2001 where they finished taking 6 girls to the
State meet. The following fall, the two schools formed their first co-op Cross
Country team. That year they took one boy and a full Girls' CC team to state. In
Spring 2002, Eleven girls and one boy went to the state Track meet again in
Peoria. This time they competed in thirteen different events and the 8th grade
girls finished 4th in the State of Illinios and took first place at their
Sectional meet.Now, only in its second year, BSS/SAS sends their second CC team
to the state meet in Bloomington. This time it is the full boys varsity team.
From the very first practice their focus is on two things: beating their best
times each meet and earning a spot, an opportunity to run at the state meet!
Seven young men and three alternates made the trip to Bloomington on October 19,
2002, to once again run their personal bests.
In what
might have been the fastest IESA Boys State CC tournament of all times, BSS/SAS
finished 13th overall right behind Petersburg Porta. The individual boys winner
posted a time of 10:35 on the 2-mile course.
It was cold but it was a nice clear day in Bloomington, unlike last year's
pouring rain. This year, sky jumpers started the days events. Michael Enno lead
his team, like he has most of the season, coming in first position putting up a
time of 12:22. Eighth grader and teammate Colin McCormick was right on his heels
posting 12:23 for 66th and 67th place respectively, in a field of 166 runners.
Rumor has it SHG is recruiting both these incoming freshmen heavily.
Likewise, SHG has its eyes on future hopefuls, SAS's 6th grader, Gus Bloink who
finished third for BSS/SAS posting 12:34, Chris Frank a 7th grader at SAS who
finished at 12:44 as well as, Andy Ralph a 7th grader from BSS who posted 12:52.
Five runners for BSS/SAS at sub 13:00 is a very, very impressive state showing.
Bloink and Frank are both newcomers to the sport this year and have been a
welcome addition to the team all season.
Another newcomer and one the scouts will be watching through the years is BSS
6th grader, Michael Witsman. Witsman put up 13:10 at the state meet while
teammate Trey Dhabalt posted 13:40 to round out the team. Alternates Nick
Garcia, Ryan Timoney, and Greg Larson practiced all week with the Sectional
Seven team and were in Bloomington on stand-by supporting their teammates every
step of the way ready to fill a spot if needed.
Overall, it was another great state experience for the BSS/SAS runners. Their coaches can't wait till next year when they will undoubtedly be making another trip to Bloomington. Now it is time to start focusing on Track Season. Stay in Shape!! March 1, 2002, is just around the corner.
