OBETZ — Karter Boggs is a cool customer. And it’s not just the white sunglasses and short haircut he’s sporting on the racecourse.

His running style reflects his demeanor.

“He’s usually pretty calm. He’s been running forever,” said his dad and coach, Kevin Boggs.

As a result, the Bucyrus junior placed 28th in the boys Division III state cross country meet at Fortress Obetz Saturday morning.

“Today the goal was just to get an all-Ohio spot. Coming in at 30th, I was just like you gotta run. It was certainly a fast race. We went out like 440s, which is very fast,” Boggs said.

Boggs crossed the line in 16:10.37, a personal best, and he becomes the first Bucyrus boy to earn all-Ohio since David Merriman in 1995.

“Overall, it was a solid day and the weather was amazing.”

The top 20 reach the podium and the top 30 in each division earn all-Ohio recognition.

After the first mile, Boggs said he was sitting between 12th and 15th.

“It was a good spot, about where I wanted. Coming through the second mile I was like 20th. At that point, I just told myself just hold on to that all-Ohio spot. The last mile was killer, especially with that hill.”

His next goal is 15:59 at an upcoming race in Indiana.

Boggs said Karter has battled injuries the past two seasons.

“His hip was out of place his freshman year for a chunk of the season, and he had tendinitis last year,” Boggs said.

“Staying heathy was our primary goal and working on some of his technical things. He always likes getting out super-fast; so, keeping him where he runs a better pacing throughout the race. He’s always been mentally tough and hanging on at the end.”

Running a good, clean race and staying calm also were factors, he said.

“He’s worked so hard, and we’ve changed up the training a little bit this year. He’s put in a lot of miles and the speed work has really paid off for him,” Boggs said.

Boggs started cross country in fourth grade and track at age six.

“The field here is so talented, with the N10 and Brayden (Cleveland) and Evan (Schiefer) and Shawn (Auck). He’s raced those guys for years and they’re super talented guys,” coach Boggs said.

“We know what kind of talent there is in the state right now. He’s raced guys in the top 4-5 several times. Just seeing that type of speed, we know what to expect.”

The mental aspect of running also is crucial.

“He’s pretty intellectual when he runs. He’s good at watching for people and knowing where he’s at and what he’s running. He’s very good at calculating if I’m at this time I know what my finish time is.”

Boggs will take some time off, then run indoor track (6-7 meets) in preparation for the spring outdoor season.

OTHERS PLACING:

  • Mount Gilead’s Will Baker placed second in 15:06.23. The Indians won the team championship, topping Convoy Crestview, 109-131.
  • Mohawk’s Cleveland was 15th in 15:53.26.
  • Seneca East’s Schiefer took 26th in 16:09.88.
  • Ridgedale junior Brogan Weston finished 34th in 16:17.47.
  • Adam Scott of Colonel Crawford ran 16:21.85 to finish 41st. As a team the Eagles placed 11th.

Junior Shawn Auck was 55th in his third appearance with a 16:30.65. Braeden Grau was 121st, freshman Isaac Stirm 125th, sophomore Landon Strausbaugh 143rd, senior Austin Good 189th and freshman Christian Mott 190th.

  • Makayla Halbisen of Galion took 34th in Division II girls.

The sophomore ran a time of 18:59.75, which was 23 seconds better than her 29th place time last fall.

“Times were off the charts,” Tigers head coach Cindy Conner said.

“Even at regionals she placed the same place she did last year but was 20 seconds faster. We knew going into today that she was gonna have to repeat what she did last week and go even faster in order to do what she did last year.

“And she ran a different race this year than she did last year. Last year she started out like 130th and finished in the top 30, so we tried a different tactic this year and we wanted her to try to get out with that that lead pack. She did that, but that may have gassed her just a little bit more than what she was

expecting it to.”

Halbisen said she’s looking forward to getting back to the state meet next season.

As a team Galion was rebuilding somewhat.

“We lost Nora (Harding) last year and a few other runners we were expecting to have on the team. So, we really didn’t know what to expect when we came into the season,” Conner said.

“Both the boys and girls surpassed expectations.”

Full results at https://oh.milesplit.com/meets/574747-ohsaa-division-3-state-championship-2024/results/