Men’s cross country finishes fifth at State, Hartman lands in 16th place

The men’s cross country team finished fifth overall at State, led by junior Luke Hartman and freshman Jaden Merrick, finishing 16th and 18th overall. 

Just shy of being part of the all-state top 15. Hartman said, “The outcome wasn’t what we were hoping for. We wanted a top three finish as a team, and we got fifth. I personally was aiming for a top 15 individual finish, and I came close to being 16th place overall. I was really proud of how I was able to build throughout the race. I was in 47th place at the mile mark with a time of 5:00. That was about what I was aiming for. I passed 23 people in the next mile and eight more in the last 1.1 miles. I also had a really good kick at the end. I wish I was able to pass more people in the last 1.1 miles. I kept passing, but I wish I could have gotten a few more runners.” 

Many cross country runners are multi-sport athletes and participate in track during the spring to stay in shape and work more on the speed aspect of running in order to be faster for cross country next season. Hartman said, “During the offseason I plan to train for track in the spring. In the summer I will start to train for cross country again.” 

Hartman said he has grown throughout the season. “I have been able to remain more consistent throughout races. My splits have been decently consistent and my kick has improved a bit. The most important thing I’ve learned over the year is to just compete and to not worry about times. Go out attempting to finish as high as possible and not just worrying about times.