Greencastle boys runners battle at State Preview meet at Terre Haute

Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Taylor Secrest

TERRE HAUTE -- The Greencastle boys' cross country team raced at the State Preview at Terre Haute North Saturday. Instead of competing in the small school division, the Tiger Cubs opted to enter the big school division.

Greencastle placed 15th out of 24 teams that held seven of the top 20 teams in the state during heavy rains.

"The boys raced strong focusing on times rather then where they were in position, knowing if they hit their times the placing would be there," GHS head coach Art Dwigans said. "We still have some work to do on our pacing, so that we are stronger in the final kilometer, but we took some good steps toward our end goal today."

Taylor Secrest led the Tiger Cubs, finishing 64th in a field of 233 runners, with a time of 17:34. Tyler Hudson, Elijah Brattain, Jacob Lewis and Matthew White followed Secrest. Levi Lewis and Peyton Jones rounded out the GHS top seven.

"I was happy with the boys attitude with the weather the way it was and the competition as tough as it was, they showed no fear," Dwigans said. "This will help as we progress through the season, and into the state tournament. Our top three positions seem to be consistent but our next seven could change every race and it's exciting to watch those boys get better every race."

Dwigans said the teams hard work is paying off, with Secrest, Jacob Lewis, Levi Lewis, Jones and Cory Lyons all posting personal best times on a tough course.

"With continued hard work in practice and more strong competition ahead, the boys will be ready for the state tournament in October," Dwigans said.

The team will next compete at the Jon Mitchell Invite at Cascade Saturday at 9 a.m.