Top 8 Moments (Boys) from the 2011 Cross Country Season
By: Justin Floyd
(Disclaimer: These views are mine and mine alone and are not wholly shared by the indianarunner.com name/staff)
This past cross country season was filled with drama and story lines from almost every area of the state. This is a look back at a few notable teams and individuals who stuck out in my mind. If you are or are not on this list just remember one thing, never take yourself too seriously.
8. North Harrison Comes Alive!
Once again the North Harrison boys team peak at the right time and take a narrow win over favorite Bloomington South. I think it is safe to say that the coaching down there knows how and when to have the team at their best.
7. Whitko: We got a first timer here!!
There is nothing like being the first to do something and that will be something these kids can always say. Hopefully this will be a stepping stone and turning point for that program to be a contender every year for a state berth.
6. Columbus North wins again
They win another state title convincingly to make it back to back championships which is an amazing feat. They showed confidence bordering on arrogance from the coaches, athletes and even to their hardcore fans/parents but it flies when you win.
5. Luke Brahm, oh no!
Luke Brahm (Ben Davis) who is a very talented runner and state meet medalist in track failed to qualify for the state cross country meet placing 17th out of the brutal Carmel Semi State. As a runner who has nearly missed out on one occasion I can empathize but I have a feeling he will rebound well for the upcoming track season.
4. Alec Kostelnik: snapping necks and cashing checks
Alec Kostelnik (Morgan Township) came out of nowhere this year from a 17:40 guy to be a legitimate front running threat at the state level. He dominated the chase pack at the new prairie semi state in the last mile and placed 10th at the state meet, how high can he go???
3. Sam Berger: Did you not get the memo?!?
He is an elite runner in this state. After a disappointing track season followed up by a great, consistent cross country season only to have an off day at state where he placed 27th he bounced back at foot locker regional’s taking the 10th place spot in 15:20. Shocking? Maybe not as much as most would like to believe he has both the physical and mental makeup to be a great cross country runner at the next level.
2. Say it ain’t so Coach Kellison!
After 22 years of coaching at Franklin Central, Coach Kellison has left his mark on the sport of cross country in this state (Meets like Flashrock and the Showcase Invite). He has shaped many great runners and teams throughout his years as well as provide training advice to the masses. He will be missed by those who appreciate this sport and we wish him the best in his future endeavors
1. Fustum: Nearly Perfect!
Futsum went the whole season demolishing course records, opponents, and winning the Nike Team National meet in Portland the week before footlocker. He put up the gutsiest performance in recent memory only to come up tenths of a second shy of a perfect senior season. Don’t cry for him though Argentina, he will be a top level athlete at the next level with a chance to be a multiple time all American.
Justin Floyd can be reached at jrfloyd0@gmail.com