COMMENTS AND STORIES

The State Championships

I wanted to thank you as a parent of a first time runner at MSAA. It was a wonderful and well organized event. We appreciate the efforts everyone made to make this event happen.

-A Parent-

What a wonderful event you and your staff put on.  My son, Alexander, remarked how well the course was marked and appreciated the use of a lead and chase vehicle.  The venue at Groveport was very spectator friendly, making it easy to view much of the race from start to finish.  All of the kids from St. Sebastian ran their PR’s for the year and Alexander even medaled.  What a memorable experience for all of us.  Keep up the GREAT work!

-A Parent-

"Oh I wanted to say, what a great race you guys put on, it was very well organized and was lots of fun for the kids thanks"

-A Parent-

Troy Schultz - an eighth grader at Troy Junior High School - won the middle school state title in cross country Sunday, posting a time of 10:24 to break his own school record by two seconds at Groveport Madison.

The junior high race is a two-mile race, while the high school race is a 3.1 mile race, or a 5K.
"I was just hoping I could go out and run a good time," Schultz said in a phone interview with the Troy Daily News. "This was the best competition I faced this year. I knew one other kid (J.T. MacKay from Northmont) and I tried to stay with him. I like to kick in the last 300 meters and I was able to win.
There was a spot of confusion in the end as Schultz crossed the finish line first, but three other competitors collided at the line.
Schultz is looking forward to his days ahead in the high school ranks.
"I am looking forward to the challenge next year," Schultz said. "I know I am going to be a freshman and the competition is going to be tougher, but I am looking forward to it."
And even though this has been the best competition Schultz has faced this season, he has been part of plenty of big races throughout his still young career.

"I have run in Iowa and Michigan for track and Alabama, Washington, West Virginia and Rhode Island for cross country and those were pretty big," Schultz said.

I thought that the location was great! Course was very spectator friendly! I thought that the breakdowns and competition were GREAT! My son ran the race of his life: Josh Irvin - 7th grade Silver and finished 7th - he set his PR that day! That said - I was VERY disappointed that his medal did not have the engraving on the back to state his place and the year. I have ordered trophies in the past, and it's my experience that the engraving is included. That said, my son is still very proud of his accomplishment that day! I have no opinion about the team race - because I feel that our school would not enter as a team. I thought that the breakdowns were great and I love that the 7th and 8th graders competed seperately. That is just my opinion though. My son as a 7th grader could never compete with the pace set by the 8th graders. Overall - what a wonderful experience! Thank you for providing these kids this opportunity! Just work on getting the medals engraved!

-A parent-

I know that kids from Fremont really enjoyed the experience from the fastest runner to the slowest it was a day I am sure they will never forget. Maybe the teams that were there should be spreading the positives, so the meet will be what it should be in years to come. The sad thing to me is that more teams didn't sign up to enjoy the experience. We need to figure out why more teams didn't sign up- the teams that were there are awesome teams because they make cross country important and are passionate about the sport.

When you bring great teams and runners together awesome things can happen and that's what took place all day Sunday. I am sure a lot of people look at the results and say that course must be so easy but I think the major factor was the overall numbers of great runners at the meet. I would like to thank everyone that was a part of this event and keep up the good work!

-A Fan-

Very positive experience for our daughter. Big confidence boost to carry us into her high school cross county experience. Thanks for holding such a beneficial event.

-A Parent-

You and your volunteers did a wonderful job. You just can not make everyone happy. My daughter Carissa and her teammate William had so much fun and really gave it their all for this meet. I would recommand this meet to anyone for next year.

Thank You so much for everything you did.

Jessica Jenkins-Dailey

Thanks for a great meet. Sarah said this was her favorite meet this year, even better than Tiffin Carnival, and we all look forward to next year. She loved the fast course, knocked 57 sec. off her PR! Very impressed with the quality of runners. The host hotel was great.

A Parent

"Awesome event today! We were there for our daughter, Jordan, (10th place 7th grade gold) and to cheer on two other Boardman runners in the 8th grade gold boys race. This is our second year coming down to Columbus for this and we plan on being back next year (hopefully with more runners).

We took advantage of the host hotel and enjoyed our time there, too. Thank you!"

A Parent

Jim

"I cannot thank you enough. Again, the event was great. We really liked this location - nice course, easy to get to, close to restaurants/hotels. Do you think the meet will be there next year?

Thank you, again!!"

A Parent

"Maybe I am not seeing things the same because my child was not in a team race but I was there to watch quite a few but I thought it was nicely done. We just did not have enough kids to make a team.

The registration was easy online, checking in and getting the numbers was easy and fast enough. The stadium area was very nice for a cross country race.

We were there to get DD and another friend to compete against the best of the best in middle school and to prepare them what high school might be like. We were going to have my DD sit out because she was not well with her chest cold but once we were there at the stadium there was no way of stopping her when she saw the going ons."

A Parent

"There was a total of 18 athletes from Beavercreek that came to this meet. The water park was a blast for the kids Saturday, they stayed up late that night in the hotel and were really able to build the team cohesion that they will need in High School. I have not heard one athlete say one word about the race, or how the race was set up. Only how much fun it was. Its Middle School, who cares who is the 'fastest' or best team..just have fun!!!

We had a blast and will be there next year with a less talented team and probably will lose. But we will lose with dignity."

Creek Fan

My son is now a freshman in High School. Thank you for all your great work on the Middle School Cross Country State Championships. My son ran in the Championships the past several years and they were a FABULOUS experience and one that make him a far stronger high school runner this year.

Julie Steible

Sorry I didn't get to meet you at the meet, but I wanted to thank you and your staff for making it a wonderful experience for my runners and I. They had a great time and made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you again for putting on this event! We will be back next year!

Greg DeRodes

Good Morning!

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the day in Dublin yesterday. The meet was well-organized, the facilities terrific, and weather ideal. My daughter enjoyed the race and said how nice all the girls in her event were. It is great that kids from all over the state can get together and demonstrate good sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Thanks for all your hard work -- it was a great experience!

Joan Kaatz

Coach Clay

Nice job on today's meet! Hopefully it will continue for future middle school athletes.

Marisa enjoyed the day even though she said she didn't run her best. She got boxed in at the beginning and finished 9th. A great experience overall.

Thanks again to you and others for providing this experience for Marisa.

Sincerely,
Mick Papp

Coach Clay----- Thank you!!!!-- I am Paulette Thomas and I had the little 5th grader , Grace, from St Brigid at the meet Yesterday( we talked via e-mail in Sept). I am writing to tell you how much our family enjoyed the event----- it was soooooo well run , everyone was GREAT to my daughter and helpful, as this was her first experience------ Kudos !!!!!to you and your Staff----please make sure they all know what a great job they did!!!! Grace can't wait to do some more, next time she may even know what to do!!!! She placed 11th with a 16:07 and was so excited to get a medal( you know 10 year olds still like the medal thing!!!!)--- I am going to try and get St Brigid to start a Cross Country team next fall!!!!!--- I will continue to check the web-site to school myself in this sport!!!! If you have any suggestions-- I could sure use them!!!!

Paulette Thomas and Grace

Again a great event. We enjoyed and appreciated the chance to run against competition from around the state. Everyone I was around on Sunday I believed felt the same. Good job and thanks for your time meet directors.

Dave

On a side note, I've heard complaints on the length of the course, but Abby enjoyed the race and knows that courses vary in difficulty along with other factors. I'm a track and cross country coach, and I enjoyed going to the meet also. You guys did a great job, and I hope you keep it going.

Bob Masters

The meet was fantastic, very well organized and pleasant hosts. I know the kids enjoyed the day with friendly competitors and especially, the fun music which lead to some interesting and creative dance moves between races and on the staring line. Carly had so much fun, we stayed to cheer on her friends in 8th grade. She just started running in August and already looks forward to next year. Thanks for a great day.

Holly and Carly Croyle