On Oct. 22, Byron Johnson became the only member of the Ellsworth High School cross country team to qualify for state after the team competed in the 3A regional championships hosted by Goodland High School.

“This will be his first trip to the historic course at Lawrence, a trip he’s been working for in-season and offseason for years, and the work has finally paid off,” Coach Eric Coonrod said.

Coonrod said there were 15 3A high schools in attendance at Goodland, and this was one of four regionals held across the state. Finish places determine who will get a chance to run at the state championships in Lawrence.

“The team did not finish high enough to qualify together, so it was up to individual places to make it to state,” Coonrod said.

Johnson was the first EJSHS runner to cross the line, finishing in sixth place overall.

“He ran a strong time, considering the difficulty of the course,” Coonrod said. “He was among seven runners to break out ahead of the rest of the field in the first mile, and that separation allowed them to shuffle places and lock in their finishes to qualify for the state meet.”

Trenton Holmes was next to finish in 36th, running his third best time of the season.

“He had a strong finish with some pressure from a hard-charging Scott City runner, but held him off at the end,” Coonrod said. “He’s getting stronger each year, and should have an excellent 2023 to look forward to.”

Coonrod said freshman Grayson Stone struggled a bit at the start, but recovered throughout the race and made quite a few passes, including in the last quarter mile, to finish in 62nd.

Billy Duncan ran the strongest race of his career, according to Coonrod.

“With more experience and another year to get a little stronger as well, I anticipate more personal best times next year,” he said.

Coonrod said Aidan Johnson struggled a bit at the start too, and recovered several positions throughout the race, especially in the last mile/mileand- a half.

“He continued to grow as a runner throughout the season, and with some off-season training and continuing to work on the mile times, he could have a career season in 2023,” Coonrod said.

In the girls’ race, freshmen Kate Rathbun and Addison Thomas were among just the handful of freshmen to run in this race.

“Kate would have a strong last half mile, making some passes to finish in 40th place, running one of her better times this season,” Coonrod said. “Addison had a strong final quartermile to finish in 56th place. Both girls had strong showings this season, and we definitely have some things to build on for next year.”

The boys’ 3A state championship race will be at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. in Lawrence.