Sweet/Vogel Headed To State

With the realignment of the cross country semi-state last season, the field of teams feeding into the New Haven Semi-State has created an increased level of intensity and competition.

After capturing the Regional Championship, Braden Sweet entered Semi-State focused on achieving his ultimate season goal; qualifying for state in a non-class system.

On a cold, rainy day the task of qualifying for state was intensified due to less than ideal weather conditions. Fighting through the elements against a highly competitive group of runners, Braden ran a strategically sound first 2 miles, putting himself in a position to work his way through the mass to finish in 8th place overall. Running his 2nd fastest time of the season (15:54) along with his 8th place finish allowed Braden to be the 4th individual out of 10 who qualify to compete at the state finals next weekend at Terre Haute.

Braden is only the 2nd runner in the history of Southwood Cross Country to advance to the State Finals.

The Wabash Apache boys cross country team toed the line against the best runners in our “region” at the semi-state meet Saturday afternoon.

Despite the cold, rain, and the wind, the boys put together their best team effort of the season finishing 10th out of 20 teams, beating schools with up to 3 times as many students. Even though the Apaches finished 4th in the previous weeks regional, they avenged losses to all those teams (New Haven, Oak Hill, Bellmont)

Dereck Vogel finished 19th, Blakley Cole 54th, Dave Ford 79th, Caleb Callahan 91st, Jarrett Wilson 97th, Ethan Kocher 147th, and Wyatt Davis 163rd. The team’s journey is over but individually Vogel advanced to the state meet for the 2nd consecutive year.