It was a storybook ending to a program’s 50th year of existence for the Columbus Community boys’ cross country team on Saturday competing in their first state meet since 2005.

The Wildcats finished 14th out of 16 teams in class 1A with 298 points and Madrid won it all with 58. The ninth and 15th place teams were separated by just 35 points. Isaac Acosta had the top Columbus time in 17:51 to place 24th out of 152. Brady Griebel was the individual champ in 15:52. Other Wildcat finishes included Damian Vergara 60th (18:55), Freddy Vergara 64th (18:57), Mason Hills-Carrier 68th (19:20), Alex Rivas 82nd (19:43), Tim Hills-Carrier 87th (19:54), and Van Bawi 93rd (20:19). 

Head Coach Steve Riley tells KCII Sports what the strategy was to combat a very windy day. “Our plan was to have other runners break the wind for us in the first half and then try to pass them in the second half. I thought overall we did that pretty well, especially Isaac. It was a really strong effort by everyone and when they do that there is nothing to criticize about the performance.”

Expect the Wildcats to be a force again next year, as they lose just one runner in Rivas to graduation.