Kokomo Tribune - Wednesday, October 08, 2008

RUSSIAVILLE — The Western boys cross country team successfully defended its Mid-Indiana Conference meet championship Tuesday at Oakbrook Valley Park.

The Panthers won going away with 26 points. Maconaquah (74) was second followed by Hamilton Heights (81), Peru (91), Eastern (132), Cass (155), Northwestern (167) and Taylor (179).

Western placed its top five runners in the top nine led by Corey Scott, who was the overall winner in a time of 16 minutes, 12 seconds. Zac Martinez was third (16:50), Austin Young placed sixth (17:00), Kody Harmon came in seventh (17:11) and Chris Love was ninth (17:18).

“I know Scott ran his best time on the course,” Western coach Joe Orr said. “Martinez also ran his best time. Young also ran under 17 minutes. So it’s good to have at least three guys under 17 minutes out here.”

Orr was also pleased with how they ran under rainy conditions.

“With the course being a little bit muddy, and a little bit wet, it was still pretty good running weather for the runners,” Orr added. “This is our second [MIC championship] in a row, and it’s good for the seniors to go out with two straight. They have experienced some [tough] years. They have seen a complete turnaround of the team. I am excited for them.

“We are pleased with our efforts. They were running hard, and we want to be strong for sectional and regional that is two of our main goals coming up here. This is our No. 1 priority to win MIC, so we have that accomplished.”

Scott, Martinez and Ben Bradshaw are seniors for Western.

Maconaquah had two runners in the top 10. Jacob Bingham placed fourth (16:54) and Bryce Comp was eighth (17:15).

Peru also had two runners in the top 10: Aaron Garretson and Shannon Garretson. Aaron Garretson placed second (16:25) and Shannon Garretson came in 10th (17:19).

Northwestern’s Kory Kennedy was fifth (16:58) to round out the top 10.

Ryan Horner was Eastern’s top runner in a time of 17:50 for 12th place. Cass was led by Nate Wilson with a 16th place finish (17:59) and Taylor was led by Justin Anderson’s 24th place finish (18:35).