The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Comets’ Hill sets county mark at state Division I race
HEBRON» Amherst junior Josh Hill focused his hard work all season on the final big race — and, boy, did it pay off.
At the state cross country meet on Nov. 4, Hill placed seventh (15:34.6) for an All-Ohio finish in Division I. The time was an Amherst and Lorain County record, and it’s the type of finish Hill set his mind to. Dustin Horter of Lakota East won the title (15:03.4). Hill was in eighth heading into the final stretch before a strong kick propelled him to seventh.
He was 11th at two miles at 10:03 and ran an average mile of 5:00.5.
Hill has set such a high standard for himself that he rarely seems satisfied. But on this day, satisfaction was easy to get.
“I just wanted to catch as many people as I could before the race ended and I caught one person, so I’m happy,” Hill said. “I’m proud of my time because the course was really slow today. It was very mucky and muddy. I executed my plan.”
Hill won the Southwestern Conference title, and was second at districts and regionals. The day before, he was looking through historical files of Amherst cross country runners and teams.
Last year, Hill missed an All-Ohio finish by three tenths of a second. With that hanging over his head, 2017 was all about getting back to Hebron and leaving no doubt this time around.
Knowing he has made Amherst cross country history, Hill still has a year to go to further dent the record books.
“I wanted to get the school record all season but it just wasn’t happening because I ran on such slow courses,” Hill said. “I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do today.”
Even after an impressive finish, like most true competitors, Hill is already looking forward and is seeking more.
“I have Nike Regionals next week and I hope to do much better than I did today,” Hill added. “I’m excited, it was a good season and I’m proud of it.”
Pirates, Bay excel
The Rocky River boys earned a top five finish in Division II (160), while Bay ran its way to seventh place (182). Lexington (97) won the team championship.
It’s the second straight year the Pirates placed in the top five, earning third a year ago. They had two All-Ohio (top 25) runners in seniors Eddie Zuercher finishing eighth (16:05.2), and Riley Robinette getting 14th with a personal record (16:12.8).
In a season that saw the Pirates earn a No. 1 state ranking, expectations were high heading into the state meet. Zuercher was hoping his team could have placed higher, but is satisfied with the performance.
“It was a pretty special year,” Zuercher said.
Zuercher stumbled running through the woods after two miles, which he said set him back, and went out a little too strong. But overall, Zuercher caps off a career in which he goes down in Rocky River lore.
A Great Lakes Conference, district, and regional champion, Zuercher also leaves with a personal-record 15:53 under his belt.
“It was a pretty good career,” he said. “I improved so much from middle school up until senior year, and it was a lot fun. It’s a great sport.”
His running partner, Robinette, has been a key cog to the Pirates’ success, holding firm as their No. 2 all season. Robinette had top 10 finishes at Galion, Ashland, conference, district and regionals.
“I started strong today and kept with it,” Robinette said. “I stuck with the kids around me and gutted it out for the third mile. I’ve been fortunate to have Eddie as a running partner because he’s very tough. He really encourages me and has helped me become mentally strong.
“For myself, I was kind of disapppointed starting off the year not PR-ing and not being where I was last year. But I thought I peaked when I needed to and I’m happy to end the season with a PR because I haven’t done that. It feels weird running my final race.”
Robinette also added that it’s a surreal feeling walking off a cross country course for the final time in high school, but he was glad to end on a high note, both individually and team-wise.
“I’ve been looking back on all the memories I’ve made,” he said. “And all the good times I’ve had with my teammates. I’m feeling pretty nostalgic and I’m happy being able to run with such a good team.”
The Rockets’ high finish wasn’t a surprise, and senior Danny Desmond led the way placing 36th (16:47.3), while Ivan Slyepkan was 47th (16:52.8). Bay had a third place at districts and fourth at regionals, the state meet showing was the icing on the cake.
“I raced a little more conservative and worked my way through the field,” Desmond said. “I’ve beaten some guys I haven’t beaten all year. It’s awesome to come down here and represent the school. Bay sports has been awesome this year and it’s great to be a part of that. This is my fourth year here and it’s pretty awesome to come down here every year. It’s been a fun ride and I’ve had great teams to run with. Most people don’t get to say that and I’m truly lucky to be part of this team.”
Groppe shines
Lutheran West sophomore Kristin Groppe earned a 12th place (19:13.9) in the Division III race. Groppe attacked in 15th place, and slowly made up ground in the middle.
Although it was her first state appearance, nerves were never an issue and she garnered an All-Ohio finish.
“It wasn’t as cold as regionals, so I thought it was really good,” Groppe said. “My goal was to be in the top 16 at the start and I accomplished that. And I was able to keep my area position and finish the way I wanted to.
“It was fun and a good experience. I hope I can come back next year.”
It has been a strong year for Groppe, who captured a Patriot Athletic Conference title (19:24.6) and district title (19:26). She’s the first Longhorn to qualify to the state meet since 2015.
Groppe came down to the state meet last year and watched it with her friends, so she was able to get a taste of the experience, something that coach Anjanette Whitman said benefited her.
“I think she handled everything very, very well,” Whitman said. “She stayed calm and collected. She said she was excited about it and came down last year, so she knew what to expect..”