With a flood warning on the back of our minds the night prior to the race, we knew that there may be some potential weather that the boys encountered on Saturday morning. Little did we know that this weather would start the minute the gun took off for the Boys Varsity race. Our top ten runners approached the starting line with the goals to run an even, or negative split race, and to push one another to do their absolute best. In the huddle, the boys went around and shared their own personal goals for the race. Everyone was confident, and ready to do their best. As soon as the gun went off, the rain picked up and the weather started. Reed Henderson led the Vikings through the muddy course on Saturday, earning a time of 17:11.19, also placing 29th at the meet. Reed continued to work his way up higher and higher among the competition throughout the 3.1 mile race. Colt Whitt ran aggressively in the woods, passing multiple individuals, earning him an 18:45.19. Kellan Durbin placed third for the Vikings with a 19:24.47, racing with both joy and immense purpose. CJ Jett, after a tiresome week of soccer practice and games, ran a lively 19:44.83. Carson Leonard ran a 20:04.80, despite the muddy conditions on the course. Austin Rhoads was a few seconds off of his 5K PR from the weekend before at Westerville North, running a 20:08.54. Rounding out the top seven for the Vikings, Xavier Clay ran a 20:15.32, encouraging his teammates along the way by racing strong. Also racing for the Vikings was Caiden Blackburn (20:59.54), Kael Thompson (21:17.47), and Jett Eitel (21:20.46). After several weather delays, the boys reserve race was sadly cancelled. Yet, they cheered and encouraged their teammates every step of the way. Today wouldn’t have been possible without our patient parents despite the weather, the Thompson and Sykes’ families for bringing the Saturday morning snacks, and Ian Duncan and Heather Rhoads for taking amazing pictures. The boys look ahead to next weekend at Cedarville University where they will race at 9 AM. Results Link: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/278752/results/1110043