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It’s the most beautiful sight in cross country, a wave of runners from the same team filing across the finish line within earshot of one another.
Coach John Bender had goose bumps when it happened with his Canal Winchester boys team during a Division II regional at Troy last Saturday.
When heavy favorite Kettering Alter claimed three of the top 12 places, including winner Paul Krebs, Bender said, "It looked like they were dominating the meet."
But 28 seconds after Canal Winchester senior Scott Wildermuth finished eighth, a pack of teammates appeared. Sophomores Greg McDaniel (19 th), Cory Irwin (23 rd), Tim Williard (32 nd), Nate Meidl (34 th) and Nick Meidl (36 th) showed why it takes five scorers — and in this case, six or even seven — to make a team.
Alter’s fourth and fifth scorers finished 46 th and 52, leaving the teams tied at 104 after runners competing as individuals were replaced.
Canal Winchester won the tiebreaker and captured its first regional title based on its sixth runner. In fact, all seven of the Indians finished ahead of Alter’s fourth.
"We really didn’t know it was that close," Bender said. "The competition was so strong, we were just thinking about being one of the four teams qualifying to the state. When I learned we had tied, I knew we had won because those guys all came in virtually together. It was a real thrill."
Bender hopes that Canal Winchester can duplicate or improve its stunning regional showing in the state championship Saturday at Scioto Downs. The program’s highest finish was 10 th (of 10 teams) in Class A in 1983. The Indians took 16 th (of 16 teams) in 2004.
Canal Winchester and Alter are viewed as sleepers behind favorites Peninsula Woodridge, Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary and Salem.
"As far as competing, last week was our best effort," Bender said. "Our times were about what we’ve been running. With the competition being so much stronger at the state, we’re hoping that will push us to even greater things. We think we have a shot to be in the top five. The guys went through this last year and I guarantee they won’t be intimidated."
The only other central Ohio team that figures to be a top-10 threat is Hilliard Darby’s girls in Division I. Darby sophomore Erika Alpeter also could challenge the individual leaders.
"We think we have a shot of being in the top five, but when you look at things on paper, fifth through eighth probably would be more realistic," coach Don Seymour said.
"I think the key for the girls, in their first state meet, is not to get too caught up in trying to go out too fast in the first mile. It’s a long race. We need to just be patient and run our race."
In his 31 st and final season at Circleville, coach Jim Diltz qualified both a boys and girls team to the state. He will retire from teaching at the end of November.
"Not many coaches can say they went out with two teams getting to the state," he said. "I’ve been here nine times with the girls and four times with the boys and no matter where we finish in the standings, I’m going to enjoy this one to the fullest. I’m truly just happy to be here one last time."