Cross Country meets don’t get any closer than what transpired in the Southeast Conference meet on Thursday in Mount Pleasant, as the Washington boys were one point away from claiming their first conference title in 22 years.
The Demon boys tallied 55 points to finish runner-up just behind Fort Madison with 54. Fairfield was third with 60. Evan Horak was 16 seconds away from an individual championship and placed second in 17:32.93. Sophomore Lance Sobaski was neck and neck with Horak and crossed the finish line less than a second later in 17:33.75 to place third. Other Demon scoring included Elijah Morris in 13th (18:30), Justin Simmering 18th (18:52), and Matt Collett 22nd (19:12).
The girls placed third out of five teams with 84 points and Mount Pleasant’s 18 ran away with the title. Hannah Rees paced the Demons in 14th (22:42) and freshman Grace Voss was next in 15th (22:54). Others included Abby Voss 18th (23:20), Cloe Telleen 25th (24:23), and Victoria Hinson 27th (25:23).
Both teams gear up for the state-qualifying meet on Thursday at Solon.