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Wilson competes at cross country semi-state
Greencastle senior Ben Wilson competed at the Franklin Central cross country semi-state competition held at Northview Church in Carmel over the weekend. Wilson clocked a time of 17:23.39 and finished 103rd on the day.
Wilson's second half of the race ranked 121st in the field, but a 6:29.85 first 2K time helped propel him to his finish.
"It wasn't his best time, but he was able to go out there and compete,"?GHS head coach Mike Schimpf said. "It was a pretty successful year overall. I was glad that Ben was able to make it to semi-state. He's only the second guy that I've gotten to coach to semi-state, so that's a pretty big deal. And I'll be saying that about someone else someday maybe -- that puts them in the company of Ben Wilson and Andy Weatherford or something, you know."
Last week, Wilson posted a time of 16:47, a new personal best, and finished 14th at the Ben Davis Regional.
The meet was won by what Schimpf believes could be the eventual state champion. Futsum Zeinasellassie scorched the course with a time of 15:16.55, which was a new course record. Schimpf noted that the competition in this particular semi-state was tough, possible to toughest in the state. He also acknowledged Wilson's pleasure with making it to semi-state and the way he made it there.
"It always comes to an end and it's always sad for a senior, but it has to come to and end -- all good things, Schimpf said. "Ben was pretty happy making it to semi-state. He knew it was going to take a pretty substantial cut in time to make it there and it's the toughest semi-state in the state -- without question. It was a great field.
"You've got great individuals and great teams, it makes it hard, but it makes it a great experience at the same time," he added.
In true team spirit, members of the GHS cross country team were on hand to cheer Wilson along.