Continuing his monumental freshman season as a Teays Valley Viking, Reed Henderson approached the weekend with a whole lot of focus, grit, strength, and speed for the OHSAA Division One State Championship. After finding out that he would be an individual qualifier to the State Championships last Saturday, Reed was ready to have a consistent week of the usual long run, workout, easy runs, strides, ice bath, and hip mobility + stability, but more importantly, to achieve enough sleep and continue to hydrate and fuel well. Much like the rest of the season, and in pre-season too, Reed went above and beyond in hitting all of these necessary components of racing well, all while training predominantly on his own. We knew that Friday and Saturday would be two significantly eventful days, through celebrating Reed and his accomplishment of advancing to state. Friday started off with a Teays Valley High School clap-out for our three state qualifiers: Reed Henderson (09), Addison Keplar (12), and Reese Gallinger - 2026 OHSAA Division One Girls State Champion (12). It was nice to see how the students and staff were proud of these three outstanding athletes, and even better people, in their upcoming race. After school let out, we traveled to the Fortress Obetz for a preview and to run the course. Kellan Durbin, Ian Duncan, and Caiden Blackburn also joined Reed to encourage him and enjoy the moment alongside him. Following the race, the crew, along with Coach Schall, traveled to Olive Garden on behalf of the wonderful Henderson family, where we all carb-loaded for Reed and his debut State meet. It was a phone-free dinner, implemented by the boys, where we shared laughs, set goals for tomorrow (for Reed) along with the season to come, created new inside jokes, and shared highs and lows of the week. The energy was just right and Reed was ready to compete! Saturday morning proved that Reed was ready to belong and to race alongside the best of the best in Ohio. It was a chilly, yet wonderful 45 degrees, despite occasional wind gusts. Thanks to the Henderson family yet again, we were able to arrive at the race in style with a beautifully decorated State-bound worthy van. Unlike any other race this season, Reed toed the line among other individual state qualifiers and not his own teammates. However, Reed knew that he was racing for goals bigger than just himself. He knew that he had tons of people who supported him and were there cheering them on. The starting gun commenced at the start of the race and all 178 individuals were off. Despite getting boxed in at some tight portions of the course, Reed still opened with a 5:11.44 mile, placing him at 123rd place. The second mile had spectators lining the fence and allowed for lots of fan support, along with an open back field where coaches were able to run and encourage their athletes. While racing the second mile, Reed passed fifteen individuals, putting him at 108th. Upon re-entry of the stadium, Reed went through the 3200 mark at 10:31.94. The third mile was one larger loop in the back field accompanied by a hill. Reed approached the hill with confidence, predominantly due to his conditioning along with his familiarness with hills due to our weekly long runs. During the third mile, Reed once again made significant moves, moving up seven spots, placing him at 101st for the day and racing a 16:37.21. Reflecting on this season, it has been a true joy to get to witness Reed’s success, but more importantly his selflessness and humble leadership. He has so much to be proud of, and so much to continue to build on. Reed has made major strides, being the first D1 Boys State Championship Qualifier since 2009, earning First-Team OCC at Westerville North by placing fifth place overall, and by becoming Teays Valley Boys Cross Country’s sixth all-time best individual, all during his freshman season. We are all so excited to see what he continues to accomplish in the seasons and years to come. Weekends like this one or successful programs in general are not possible without the support of great parents or teammates. “Thank you, thank you, thank you” to the Henderson family for constant encouragement and support, providing our team meal at Olive Garden, and for (providing and) decorating the ‘state van!’ Thank you to Kellan Durbin, Ian Duncan, and Caiden Blackburn for creating life-long memories on Friday at our course preview + team meal. Thank you to Ian Duncan, Caiden Blackburn, Clark Thompson, and CJ Jett for showing up at the State Meet to cheer their teammate on. I cannot thank any of you enough. As always, go Vikings and always RUN AS ONE. Official Results: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/275513/results/1100470