Three runners make all-state
EMU men are runners-up, women fourth at state championships
Despite injury, Junior Justin Hawkins has had several top ten finishes this season.
Justin Hawkins and Tim Harder led the way as the EMU cross-country team finished second at the Virginia Divison II/III State Cross Country Championships on Saturday.
Hawkins, the team’s number one runner, placed sixth in the field of 64, and Harder finished 15th. Both were awarded all-state Honors. Sophomore Kevin Beachy narrowly missed the recognition, finishing in 16th position.
Senior Kai Orenic finished 19th, and Caleb Yoder rounded out the scoring in 23rd place. Roanoke College placed five runners in the top ten to dominate the team scoring. Washington & Lee University was third in the men’s race.
Hawkins entered the race as the defending State Cross Country Champion, but a repeat was not likely. During the indoor track season Hawkins developed a bone cyst in his heal. Doctors gave him two options; undergo a bone graft and possibly give up competitive running for good, or run through the pain.
Hawkins deferred the surgery, and spent eight months rehabbing his heal. His training has been consistent and he has high hopes for the outdoor track season.
Freshman Kendra Nissley continued her successful firstcampaign. She placed ninth Saturday and has solidified herself as the team’s top runner. Junior Wendy Driver ahd a break out race. She missed all-sate honors by 15 seconds, finishing in 17th. Sophomore Leslie Grant was 23rd, Maureen Gingerich 29th, Andrea Kniss 30th, and Megan Kemp 51st.
Longwood University edged Roanoke College in the team scoring. Washington & Lee was third and The Lady Royal’s were fourth overall.
Return to Sports
