WAMEGO — Crest High sophomore Rene Rodriguez capped a successful introduction into cross country by competing Saturday at the 1A state meet.
While battling a sore knee on a cool Saturday morning, Rodriguez finished 45th out of 94 runners, completing the 5K course in 19 minutes, 46 seconds.
“Rene did very well,” said Crest coach Chris Dvorak. “He really came into his own this year because he’s such a naturally gifted runner.”
Rodriguez started slowly along the hilly Wamego Country Club course, running with a noticeable limp through the early stages of the race.
“I’m sure the weather had something to do with his knee,” Dvorak said. “This was the first time I really noticed him with such a limp.
“I’m sure the knee had something to do with him not placing higher,” he continued. “He also had to run without any teammates on the course.”
Lucas Koch of Centralia had the top boys 1A time of 16:16. Tribune-Greeley County was the 1A team champion, with an average time of 17:51 and 34 points.
Crest’s Rodriguez places 45th
