New Prairie Semi State Preview

Kokomo Tribune - October 22, 2011

BOYS RACE

Western's Matt Grider looks like a contender for a top-15 finish in the boys race. was tops in the Mid-Indiana Conference and Logansport Sectional meets and then had a third-place finish in the Culver Academies Regional.

"I know he wants to be in that top 15 and based upon how his season has kind of progressed over the last four weeks, I think he has a. really good shot at making it," Western coach Gary Jewell said.

Jewell noted Grider likes run a consistent race in which he begins his move to the front by the mid-point, settles into the top 20 by the fourth kilometer and then uses his closing ability to make a push for the top 15.

Jewell said the course, which is mostly flat with the exception of "Agony Hill" midway through, suits Grider well. Jewell added the recent rain likely will slow the course and perhaps work to Grider's advantage.

"This will be the fourth time he's run the course in the last two years so there are no surprises," Jewell said.
The Eastern duo of Schaaf and Duke finished 12th and 14th, respectively, in the regional meet last week.

"We certainly want to do well," Mink said. "The main thing is to get good experience and see how well they can do - hopefully get a couple PRs. I want them to finish in the upper half of the race and just have a good overall experience. They've worked very hard and very well to get this far."