The boys cross-country team traveled to Terre Haute, Ind. Saturday, Nov. 2 for the State Finals, placing 23rd. Although they did not place first, the team was proud of their accomplishment of making it to State.

“We were all excited to hear our name the Saturday before at Semi-State. When we were making it down to State we were all freaking out; we didn’t care at that point how we did. [Family and friends] were happy we got down there, too. They didn’t care how we finished this year, the only goal was to make it there, and we did,” Daniel Gustas (12) said.

The boys did not run their best times, but they all gained the experience of going to State Finals, which is an achievement itself.

“I am proud we made it to State, I mean, it’s a big stage out there. They found out that it is pretty serious down there and a little bit different than it is in Semi-State. While Semi-State is a big race, the super elite is downstate in Finals. Nobody got their best time, but the State course is a lot tougher than some of the courses we run, so we weren’t looking for them to have their best time at the State Finals, but they ran well,” Coach Jeff Rhody said.

The team suffered a loss at state without their top runner, but still trained hard in preparation for the event.

“We ran without our number one, Zach Hupp, who got injured the week before. He was 15th in Semi-State. The week before was just maintenance: sharpening up a little bit of speed, getting used to running at a high rate again for an extended period of time,” Coach Rhody said.