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Run, LoJo, Run: Leopards boys, Ruhala qualify for State Cross Country Meet
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@starlocalnews.com
Two weeks ago, the Lovejoy boys cross country team won its first Class 4A district title.
It took nine days to top that achievement.
The Leopards did so Saturday at Vandergriff Park in Arlington as Lovejoy finished third at the Region II Championships to qualify for the Class 4A State Meet, which is Saturday at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
"We knew going in we had a good shot of getting if they all had pretty good days and executed the race plan," said Greg Christensen, Lovejoy head coach. "I felt we were able to run our smartest race of the season. We really ran well as a team and, in listening to other people talk at the awards, Lovejoy has entered the ranks of perennial powerhouse teams."
Leading the state-qualifying squad was junior Kendall Joiner (14th place, 16:14.90) and Mike Jones (18th, 16:19.40).
"Kendall and Mike were able to get out, hang off the lead pack and move together over the last mile," Christensen said. "When they came by on both loops they looked so relaxed and poised I knew we were going to be in for a good day."
Joiner and Jones ran personal records, as did sophomore teammate Grant Ballard (38th, 16:45.40).
"Grant and I talked about how he had to stay off the early lead pace and run for the better of the team," Christensen said. "As a competitor it's hard to not go out fast and get caught up in the early racing, but he had a very smart race and has matured as a result."
Rounding out Lovejoy's top five were junior Evan Hartter (45th, 16:52.80) and freshman Noah Landguth (54th, 17:02.80).
That won't be the only Lovejoy contingent at state on Saturday though as the Lady Leopards didn't qualify as a team, but senior Katie Ruhala did on the strength of a second-place finish (18.11.80).
"Katie ran probably her smartest race to date in sitting off the fast early pace and biding her time," Christensen said. "When she took the lead at the 2-mile mark and extended at 2.5 miles she looked very relaxed and in control. She was passed over the last 100 yards, but I feel she hasn't run her best cross country race as a Leopard yet ... that will come at Old Settlers Park."
This is Ruhala's fourth trip to state, winning the Class 3A State Championship in 2010 as a sophomore and placing fourth as a freshman and second as a junior.
"Katie is one of the state's most decorated runners," Christensen said. "A top 10 finish in 4A would only add to the legacy she has established for our younger girls. She's healthy, smarter now than last year's state meet and the longer racing distance will suit her well."
Ruhala nearly had teammates coming with to Round Rock as Lovejoy placed fourth (145) behind Highland Park (69), Frisco (92) and Forney (130) with the top three teams advancing.
"The girls executed the plan very well, held their positions and ran about as well as I could have expected," Christensen said. "I'm very pleased with the effort and type of race the girls ran. I felt each of them ran their hearts out; we came up a bit short in the final standings, but I couldn't ask any more of the team."
The girls did finish ahead of McKinney North (eighth, 217), which had bested the Lady Leopards at the District 13-4A Meet.
"I don't think we did as well as we wanted to," said Jessica Partin, North head coach. "But it would have been tough to catch Lovejoy anyway because they ran really well."
In addition to Ruhala, the Lady Leopards' team score consisted of runs from junior Abby Tedford (17th, 19:16.90), sophomore Chloe Tedder (38th, 20:14.90), junior Baylee Webb (51st, 20:30.50) and senior Lindsey Cox (61st, 20:49.30).
"The girls definitely served notice that 4A can count on Lovejoy being a contender every year for a state berth," Christensen said.
Lovejoy now switches gears to state with the girls race commencing at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and the boys at 1 p.m.
"Our boys team looks like it has a good shot at being a top five team and, if we have everyone on, a spot on the podium isn't out of the question," Christensen said. "We're refocusing for the challenges ahead and I think we have a lot more hay left in the barn."
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