Published: October 31, 2009 06:28 pm      

Setting the foundation for next year

Duncan places seventh at cross country meet

Shawnee — The Class 5A State Cross Country Meet was a learning experience for the Duncan boys, which finished seventh overall. Four of the top six runners for coach Todd Ledford saved their best for last, turning in their best times of the year.

“I thought we ran real well,” Ledford said. “We were one point from sixth and 20 from fifth. It was real close.

“Finishing seventh with this many young kids is a real accomplishment.”

Justin Hughes led Duncan, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 17:56. For Hughes, it was his best time of the year in only three races run.

“I was pretty impressed with him,” Ledford said. “I think he really enjoyed it although he was upset. He thought he led the team down but you couldn’t ask much more from him.”

Anthony Shircliff was next on the list for Duncan, placing 45th with a time of 18:34. Bryce Rowland, the only senior on Duncan’s team, was 56th with a time of 18:52, a personal best.

Dylan Mettler also set a personal best, placing 62nd in a time of 18:58, 30 seconds off his previous best mark. Ren Contreras turned in the fifth best time for Duncan, placing 79th in a time of 19:35, also a personal best.

Connor Holland was 82nd with a time of 19:41 and Andy Stewart was next, turning in a time of 20:18.

The race, which was run at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, featured a quick paces start that forced the Demon contingent to make adjustments on the fly.

“The first mile was fast paced and it might have thrown them off a little bit,” Ledford said. “It was a big adjustment and a mental

adjustment.”

Duncan spent the season ranked outside of the Top 10 but forced its way into the mix with Saturday’s finish. With six of the top seven runners returning for next season, Ledford is optimistic that the team can take another step forward.

“I’ve got these kids for several more years,” Ledford said. “It looks good for the future.”