Gerber heading to state

compete

at Tiffin

By SCOTT BLACK

Enterprise sports writer

clydenews@bizwoh.rr.com

The Fliers cross country teams traveled to Tiffin on Saturday, Oct. 25 for the Division II Regional Cross Country meet.

It was there that Craig Gerber became one of the loneliest young men in Clyde at least as far as runners go as he became the only Fliers to advance to the state meet in Columbus Nov. 1.

The Division II boy's race will start at 11:50 at Scioto Downs which is located on 23 south.

At Tiffin, the Fliers team finished 10th with 236 points. Defiance won the DII race with 80 points. Bay was second at 116. Elyria Catholic was third with 132, Toledo Central Catholic was fourth with 134 and Rocky River rounded out the top five with 166. Only the top four teams and the top 16 runners advanced to the state meet.

Gerber placed 11th in the race with a blistering 16:28 to secure his trip to the state meet. Gary Powell was the next Flier runner and he placed 47th with a 17:30. Damian Dixon was 69th with a 17:48, Isaac Bouyack was 74th with a 17:54, Tony Constantini was 87th with an 18:03, Eric Pumphrey was 117th with an 18:59 and Zach Sepeda was 132nd with a 19:53.

"Our team performed well and we beat some great teams that have beaten us throughout this past season," Coach Sonny Workman said. "This particular regional meet is always tough, and this year's wasn't any different. Craig ran an awesome race today. He is proof that hard work really does pay off. We had some pretty intense workouts this season and he responded and challenged himself well. As a coach, I appreciate his confidence in me. We talked all season about what it takes to get to the promise land (state).

"Anyone can talk about it but those who really want it put in the time and effort that it requires," Workman said. "It's not an easy task to get to Columbus. It requires dedication, desire and determination. Craig has done all that we have asked him to do this season and I am sure he will run well in Columbus.

"Damian Dixon another senior finished his cross country career with a personal record. Damian ran a great race. He started up near the front and battled to stay there the whole race. I am very proud of our two seniors. Our remaining runners gained some precious experience. Hopefully, they will follow Craig's example and work hard to get us back here next year and place even higher as a team. It's been a great season."

The Lady Fliers did not run as a team but had two individual runners at Tiffin. Ashley Alejandro and Taylor Ebert both ran great races but neither runner qualified for the state meet.

Alejandro placed 38th with a time of 20:31.11 and Ebert placed 90th with a time of 21:33.22.