The race finish was a bit of a relief for Seward Coach Kurt Holliday. After being favored to win the Class B state title all season, the Seward boys’ cross country team met its goal, bringing home the first state championship trophy for boys’ cross country.
“We thought we could, but you still have to go do it,” Holliday said.
He said the Bluejays ran smart races, coming on at the end when they needed to.
Jackson Einspahr finished his perfect senior season with a state title, as well, crossing the line in 15:43.4. His time was also fast enough to win the all-class gold, another first for the Seward program.
Holliday said they weren’t sure if they should go for the all-class gold or not. They wanted to make sure Einspahr won Class B, and then “whatever happens happens,” he said.
Fellow senior Austin Koch finished his cross country career with his second state medal, this one seventh place with a time of 16:34.3.
“He’s not naturally a strong runner. He’s worked at it,” Holliday said. “He had a big year and great career.”
Mason Vest also earned a medal for the Bluejays, placing 14th in 16:56.7.
Mason Luebbe rounded out Seward’s scoring with a 20th-place finish in 17:23.1. Kieran Einspahr was 29th and Cale Greisen, returning from an injury, finished 30th.
“To have all six in the top 30 is pretty impressive,” Holliday said.
It was a good day for the girls’ team, too. Lily Philips led the way to a runner-up team finish. Holliday said they knew Pius, the state champion, would be hard to beat.
“We didn’t have our best day, but it was still pretty darn good,” Holliday said. “We had to be perfect to beat Pius, but it was not in our cards.”
Philips stepped up when Haylen Holliday struggled Friday. Philips finished fifth in 19:40.4 and ran the race of her life, Coach Holliday said.
Jordyn Samuels was 17th, Haylen Holliday 19th and Savannah Bauer 22nd to bring home the runner-up trophy. Kenley Ginapp placed 45th, and Chloe Brozovsky earned 64th.
“Coming in ranked sixth to seventh and to be second – that’s a good accomplishment,” Coach Holliday said. “They’ve come a long ways. I feel good about the future.”
The coach said their state performance will give the girls extra drive for next season, when all of the top six return.
Overall, he said, “it was a very fun year for us.”
