News-Herald Article: State Meet Recap

Iler adjusted his training to log 50 miles last week and tapered to run 35 in the days leading up to the meet at National Trail Raceway. Between his flexibility and a bit of good fortune, the Preppers’ junior placed 10th in 16 minutes, 19 seconds and earned a spot on the state podium for the first time.

“I’m just glad that I was able to get off to a great start,” Iler said. “I had the blessing of being selected on the left of the starting line so I managed to get out in the top 10 by the first 400 meters and I stuck with those guys all the way through a 5K. I’m just gratified I battled it out with them.”

Teammate Ben Chao (16:47) followed Iler in 34th and University’s boys team placed 15th in the Division I team standings. Middletown’s Conant Smith (15:43) won the race and Hudson won the D-I state championship with 107 points.

Riverside’s AJ Haffa ended his high school cross country career with his first state qualification. The Beavers senior placed 37th in 16 minutes, 49.4 seconds. He relished the experience to cap four years in which he ran under three different coaches and helped Riverside’s cross country program build.

“It’s everything I worked toward,” Haffa said. “Coming in freshman year, no one really knew who we were. It was just hard work, man. Hard work, different coaching, I’ve had to persevere through a lot. It’s just all come together and it feels great. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Kenston senior Jakob McConnell (16:49.8) followed Haffa in 38th. He led the Bombers’ pack, and the team placed 18th.

McConnell plans to run in college but hasn’t chosen a school yet. Bowling Green State and Marshall are among his options. He led Kenston’s boys team to the state meet three times and developed a deep affinity for the sport.

“I just learned so much about how running isn’t just on the course,” McConnell said. “It’s become a lifestyle for me, I’ve put everything into this sport. I’ve just gotten so much out of it so it’s been a great experience.”

Mentor junior Nick Kozlowski (17:12) finished 88th. Kozlowski ran at his second state meet in his second season of cross country, but was slowed by a turned ankle.

“I knew I had to power through it and get through it,” Kozlowski said. “It’s not the result that I wanted. I’ve got a lot to look forward to, I know all the hard work I’ve done is going to pay off in the future, too.”

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin senior Augie King (17:30) led area D-II runners in 52nd. The Lions placed 15th with 365 points. Woodridge won the D-II state title with 109 points and Lexington’s Kyle Johnston (15:52) was the individual champion.

Alongside fellow senior Cal Yackin, King qualified for the state meet three times. He and Yackin battled nagging injuries during the season, but reflect fondly on the camaraderie fostered with their teammates.

“It was a hell of a ride,” King said. “It was fun with the team. No matter how we finished up or how we did, I wouldn’t have asked for anybody else.”

Chagrin Falls senior Marshall Sadowski closed his breakout postseason in 17 minutes, 55 seconds to place 102nd.

Freezing temperatures and a muddy course weren’t enough to sully Sadowski’s disposition. He yelled as he crossed the finish line, exerting any final iota of energy, after sprinting the final 800 meters. The experience of recent weeks left Sadowski wanting to continue running in college.

“I love the sport,” Sadowski said. “This will forever be an amazing moment that I’m never going to forget.”

Senior Tyler Clark (17:29) led area D-III runners in 46th. Tim Diemer (17:38) was 55th and Connor Gerspacher (17:40) finished 59th. Gilmour’s boys team placed 11th with 275 points.

Fort Loramie won the D-III team championship with 127 points. Ayersville’s Noah Fisher (16:14) won the race.

Diemer ran at state all four seasons at Gilmour while Diemer and Gerspacher each qualified three times. The Lancers hoped for better results but wouldn’t hand their heads as they left Hebron.