Kansas' cross country runners put a sizable dent in many of
the state's ranking lists during a week of racing that included meets against
teams from every surrounding state.
Cooper Schroeder of Manhattan, a senior, jumped to the top
of the list for the boys' 5000 meters, placing third in the Boys Green division
at the Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin, Mo. with a time of 15:36.56. It's
a career best for Schroeder, and just .09 off his school's record set two years
ago by his older brother, Jackson Schroeder.
Senior Bryce Merriman of Maize South placed fifth in the
Boys Green, which was set up for many of the meet's larger schools. Merriman's
time of 15:48.53 is a career best and the top time in class 4A this season.
Yates Center junior Hadley Splechter won the Boys Gold
division at Joplin, clocking 16:01.35 for the best time in class 2A this season
-- and the eighth best in Kansas. His teammate, senior Colin Bedell, placed
second in the race, running 16:46.98 for...