The Boys Cross Country Team, Region 6-AAAAA Runners Up, competed in the 2016 GHSA State Championships Saturday, November 5 in Carrollton. The Raiders qualified for the State meet for the first time in five years.
Junior Luis Zambrano bounced back from a disappointing result at Regionals with a great race. Zambrano was the first Raider to cross the tape, finishing 62nd overall (18:48). Junior Andrew Ungashick completed his late season charge finishing 64th overall (18:51). Senior Jeffrey Edge, steady as always, was next across the finish line for the Raiders (78th/19:04), followed by Sophomores Alex Gruenig (85th/19:09) and Erick Ramirez (102nd/19:31), and Junior Justin Coleman (109th/19:36). The Raiders earned 381 team points, placing them 11th in Class AAAAA and just edging out regional rival Grady. The 11th place finish is the 6th best State finish in Raider Boys Cross County history.
First year Boys Cross Country Head Coach Zach McKeone was super excited about the team's performance. "I didn't know what to expect. None of these guys had ever run in the State meet before, and I thought they ran an amazing race. We were predicted to come in 13th, so to beat your seed is always a great accomplishment. We will miss Jeffrey Edge next year, but we bring back a great core of boys who should be able to make a run for a podium spot. I expect the State meet to be an annual event for us."