Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School Senior Byron Johnson took 30th place out of 103 runners Saturday during the 3A State Cross Country Championships at the historic Rim Rock Farm north of Lawrence.

According to Ellsworth Head Coach Eric Coonrod, the 3A race started fast early on and stayed fast through the finish.

“Byron ran strong mile times, and ran one of his best times of the season with a 17:13, not easy on one of the most challenging courses in the state,” Coonrod said. “Finishing in the top half, or even top third, of the best 3A runners in the state is quite an accomplishment.”

Coonrod said Johnson has been training year-round to finish out his career with a goal of a top 10 individual regional finish, which he accomplished with his statequalifying sixth place at the Goodland regional.

“He had a stellar senior season with a PR milestone sub-17 minute time,” Coonrod said. “He placed first in two invitational meets, and prior to the state meet, he had a season-average finishing place of fourth.”

This trip as an individual runner was Johnson’s second trip to the state championships.

“He was part of the 2019 qualifying team that placed seventh overall at Wamego that year,” Coonrod said. “Byron has grown as a runner and a team leader during his high school career, really coming into his own the last couple seasons and will be missed next year.”

While this may have been Johnson’s last cross country race as a Bearcat, Coonrod said he plans to run at the Nike Nationals in a couple of weeks, and plans to continue his running career at college next year.

”I’m proud of Byron for what he has accomplished in his seasons running for EJSHS,” Coonrod said. “He’s got great push and support from his family, and has been influenced by many coaches and fellow runners. It’s been a pleasure to be able to work with him for the last six years, and I look forward to following his career in the years to come.”

Coonrod then thanked all those who helped with the state send-off on Friday. These ranged from local businesses to classes at EJSHS and Ellsworth Elementary School.

“What a great community to turn out to do that,” he said.

Coonrod also thanked Patrick Hammel and Colby Richard, along with the golfers at Ellsworth Golf Course, for accommodating his practice schedules and opening up the golf course for practices and Ellsworth’s home meet.

“I appreciate all the parental and community support over the last few months to make this season a great one,” Coonrod said.

“Byron ran strong mile times, and ran one of his best times of the season with a 17:13, not easy on one of the more challenging courses in the state.”

Eric Coonrod

Ellsworth Jr./Sr. High School Cross Country Coach