Bookless headed to Wamego for state
Although the previously number one ranked Hillsboro High School boys' cross country team didn't qualify for state Saturday, number one runner Daniel Bookless is headed to Wamego.
His 3.1-mile time of 17 minutes, 23 seconds at regionals was good enough for fifth-place and state trip.
Head coach Stuart Holmes was pleased to see Bookless qualify.
"He has not only been our best runner this year," he said. "But also our most consistent runner which is a credit to his mental preparation and competitive desire."
He said his team was disappointed not to advance, but understood the reality.
"You've got to earn your spot on the day of regionals, and we didn't do that," Holmes said.
Two other runners, Sean Leihy 12th, and Cody McMillen 24th, finished in the top-30 with times of 17:53 and 18:42 respectively.
Nate Holmes missed the top-30 by one spot with his time of 18:53.
Other Hillsboro finishers included Thad Holmes (45th, 20:02), Ric Johnson (49th, 20:10), and Isaac Leihy (69th, 21:52).
Carrie Schroeder led the girls' team with a 22nd-place finish and two-mile time of 13:58.
Jacque Fisher 14:50, and Elissa Richert, 14:57, finished 40th and 46th respectively.
The final three girls' runners were Courtney Fast (53rd, 15:48), Gret Kliewer (56th, 17:04), and Megan McCarty (62nd, 18:41)
"The girls should feel good about their effort," Coach Holmes said. "They all ran hard."
Bookless will compete 11 a.m. Saturday at Wamego.
