WLS boys advance to state meet

Tigers earn first trip to state championships since 1996.

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 11:06 PM Saturday, October 29, 2011

TROY — West Liberty-Salem High School boys cross country coach Mike Louden could only describe his emotions as “ecstatic.”

The Tigers placed third in the Division III race at the Southwest District regional championships at Troy High School on Saturday to advance to the state meet for the first time since 1996.

Of course, it didn’t come without some anguish.

“My heart was in my stomach that whole race,” Louden said. “I didn’t know how it was going to unfold. To turn out the way it did, that was the main goal this year, to get to the state meet.”

The top four teams and top 16 individuals advanced to Saturday’s OHSAA state cross country championships. The event will be held at National Trail Raceway in Hebron for the first time this season.

The Tigers’ Colin Wilson placed 18th and Aaron Scott placed 19th, both in a time of 17 minutes, 15 seconds. Alex Adams was 23rd (17:23) and was followed by teammates Ryan Meister (37th, 17:39) and Chris Buschur (62nd, 18:06).

“They all did well,” Louden said. “Buschur’s been our sixth all year, and he stepped up big today. All seven guys had a phenomenal meet. It was a dream to get to the state meet, and next week we’ll finally be there.”

Louden couldn’t help but be nervous after last year’s race, where the Tigers placed eighth after injuries set them back. They were seen as a favorite to advance.

“We knew all along we were one of the best,” Louden said. “I felt so bad for them. It was a learning experience. It was the drive and determination for them this season.”

Greenon’s Brandon McNeil missed out on the state meet by four spots in D-II, placing 20th overall in 17:21.

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