KIRKERSVILLE — His time was faster than it was a year ago and his team improved seven places on its 2013 finish, but Nick Stricklen was hoping for more.
So were his Lexington teammates.
Led by Stricklen’s eighth-place finish in 16 minutes, 12.72 seconds, the Minutemen finished fourth in the Division II team standings at the 86th boys cross country state championship at National Trail Raceway in Kirkersville on Saturday.
Lex finished with 147 points. Tippecanoe won the team trophy with 94 points. Chardon Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (111) was second and Springfield Shawnee (131) was third.
The Minutemen, who finished 11th at state last fall, were ranked second in Division II in the most recent Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches state poll behind Tippecanoe. Lex hoped to push the Red Devils for the top spot Saturday.
“This year the state meet was just a lot more competitive than it was last year,” said Stricklen, who was fifth in 16:21.72 in 2013. “There was so many more individuals up toward the front so it was hard to repeat what I did last year.
“It was hard to repeat what I did last year. I was three places worse, but I had a stronger race than last year. It’s just disappointing that it was a tougher state meet this year.”
A junior, Stricklen earned All-Ohio honors for a second straight year. He was joined on the All-Ohio team by freshman Ryan Johnston, who finished 20th in 16:25.72, and senior Zane Sturts (24th, 16:29.96).
“I couldn’t put it all together this year,” said Sturts, who was fourth in 16:18.94 last year. “There were a lot of great guys up there, all running hard (and) all running for the same goal.
“I’d say this was definitely harder than last year.”
Freshman Forest Volz had a strong race, finishing 63rd in 17:06.22. Volz was 97th after the first mile and 83 at the two-mile mark before making his push.
Senior Quinton Glenn was 110th (17:35.64), while senior Mitch Bastin was 112th (17:39.59) and freshman Josh Mueller (17:51.64) was 121st.
Trading Paint: The early stages of the Division II race were like a moving street brawl as runners in the closely bunched pack jockeyed for position.
“This was an aggressive race,” Sticklen said. “People had their arms out. They cut you off and wouldn’t let you in front. That’s what you’ve got to do.”
All-Ohioans: Ontario’s Brett Cortelletti and Crestview’s A.J. Trent each grabbed the final All-Ohio spot. Cortelletti (16:31.39) was 25th in the Division II race, while Trent (16:40.97) was 25th in the Division III race.
“I couldn’t ask for more,” Cortelletti said. “It’s something I’ve wanted.”
The frigid temperatures (highs were in the low 40s) and strong winds didn’t bother Cortelletti.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be,” Cortelletti said. “The cold was bearable. … The wind was distracting but it was nothing we couldn’t run through.”
Trent settled in near the front of the field in the Division III race and held his position throughout. He was 23rd after the first mile and 24 after the second mile.
“It was cold and the wind was really hitting you but its not something that we’re not used to,” Trent said. “It helped me out I think. I was just coming out and do what I do regardless of weather.
“I wanted All-Ohio and I got the (25th and final) spot, so it was a good day.”
