BROWNSBURG — The new cross country format this season eliminated the semi-state round and now sends the top five teams and the top 15 individuals to the state finals. For all four of our area teams, they were well represented at the Brownsburg Regional after very strong showings a week ago at the sectional. Unfortunately no one was able to advance to the State Finals as the top teams in the state were present at Brownsburg. Teams like Carmel, Zionsville, North Central and more dominated the field.
A story that was also at the forefront of the meet was Crawfordsville coach Megan Craig who concluded her final meet at the helm of the Athenians after a 10-year run. It was an emotional time for Craig who has helped take the Cville program to new heights. “
“My time with this program was a gift,” Craig said about her 10-year run. I had the opportunity to work with amazing student athletes, and their families. Sacrifice comes with coaching and I was fortunate to have a family that embraced and supported me in this journey. Andy jumped on board and stepped into the role as my assistant. He used his background to help build a well rounded strength and conditioning program. Last season Jacinda came on board as an assistant after many years of supporting the program while her daughter ran. She made it possible for me to finish out this season with the team when I took the position at ISU. The opportunities, the memories, the friendships, the learning and growing in this role were all gifts that I will continue to cherish.”
CHS would be led by senior Ryan Miller, who raced in his final race of his XC career. Miller placed 44th overall with a time of 16:33. Junior Hutton Haas ran a time of 17:17, Max Brumett 18:06, Jantzen Thayer 18:21, and Cole Capper rounded out the top five for CHS with a time of 18:51. Cville also had a pair of senior girls conclude their careers at the Regional in Gabby Warren and Skylah Strawser. Strawser ran a 23:01 with Warren having a 23:57. Miller, Warren, Strawser and Tyson Fuller all rounded out their careers and Craig noted how special each of them have been.
“It’s always hard to see a season come to a close before you are ready but we can’t let that overshadow the journey it took to get here,” Craig added. “All of the athletes have grown as runners and as individuals. That is our goal from the beginning. That we focus on becoming better student athletes. The season ended yesterday but the lessons we all learn through the journey will last a lifetime.”
Southmont concluded its season by having a total of six runners run at the Regional. Senior Mason Cass joined a group of five other underclassmen. Sophomore Sam Crum joined him as did freshman Amarah Shannon, sophomore Darby Cottrell, freshman Lennon Woods, and sophomore Jaysa Crull. Cass in his final race ran a 17:19 with Crum running an 18:36. Shannon was the top finisher for the Mountie girls with a time of 22:54. Cottrell finished with a 23:53, Woods 24:39, and Crull 25:20.
Southmont assistant coach Justin Lowe noted how all of his runners showed great strides this season and how especially for his girls team, the future looks very bright.
“To have Mason here and get the chance to run against some of the best competition in the state and have him perform at a level he hasn’t performed at all season was special,” Lowe said. “I’m very happy with how he ran. It was also amazing to see Sam get here and get this experience. Coach Allen and I are really proud of our girls team . They’ve done and exceeded all of our expectations this year. We have really high hopes for the next few years. Amarah ran a PR today and the future looks very promising for our girls team.”
North Montgomery was represented at the Regional by senior Paul Lueking who concluded his career with a time of 18:47. Charger coach and Lueking’s dad Tim Lueking was not only a proud coach but also a proud dad to watch his son conclude his career on a high note.
“I’ve been very proud of what he’s been able to accomplish not just this year but over the course of the last four years,” Tim said. “He’s continued to progress as he’s gotten faster and shown that he’s a really good athlete. He runs with a lot of heart too and it’s a great honor for me to be able to see him be here. I’m really proud of all of our runners from the county that were able to be here.”
Fountain Central had four runners conclude their seasons. Senior Hayden Kler rounded out his career with a time of 17:42. FC had sophomore Raley Messinger (23:19) and juniors Alydia Mellady (23:42) and Brailey Hoagland (24:00) also see their seasons come to an end.
