St. Xavier overcomes loss of runner to win 3A boys title

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Even without one of its top runners, St. Xavier showed why it is a nationally ranked team. 

According to the Courier-Journal, St. Xavier's Cooper Marchal went down on the 5,000-meter course Saturday at Kentucky Horse Park, and did not finish. 

Led by senior Patrick Schaefer, St. Xavier rallied and all six of its finishers placed in the top 30 to score 62 points and edge out Trinity (79) for the Class 3A state cross country title. It was St. Xavier's third straight title.

"I really want to thank them because when my guy went down on the course, the Trinity coaches were the first guys over to help him and I really appreciate them," St. Xavier coach Chuck Medley told the Courier-Journal. "They went way up in my opinion."

Senior Dylan Allen of Male claimed the 3A individual title in 15:44.3. Schaefer was second (15:46.5).

In the girls 3A race, Male senior Kaitlyn Lacy won in 18:03, while Dupont Manual scored 42 points to win the team crown. 

In 2A boys, senior Steven Ott of Christian Academy clocked 16:07 to win the individual title, while Lexington Catholic scored 39 points, placing four runners in the top 10 to win the team championship.

For the girls, Victoria Dotson of Rockcastle County ran 19:15.8 to win the 2A title. Highlands won the state title.

Keeton Thornsberry of Holy Cross Lousville led his team to a 1A state title as he finished first in 16:09.3.

Junior Selena Mattingly of Williamsburg (19:28.7) was the top girl in 1A. Bishop Brossart won the team title with 107 points.

Team Championships

Boys 3A - St. Xavier 62 points

Girls 3A - Dupont Manual 42 points

Boys 2A - Lexington Catholic 39 points

Girls 2A - Highlands 77 points

Boys 1A - Holy Cross 68 points

Girls 1A - Bishop Brossart 107 points