Last year, Clarkston’s boys cross country team was just happy to participate in the state finals. The agenda was revised this year as the Wolves qualified for states for the second year in a row with a third place finish at the regionals on Oct. 29 at Clintonwood Park.
‘Last year we were happy just being at states,? said senior Hazen Brennan, who finished fifth overall in the region with a time of 16:12.
‘We hope to finish in the top 10 at states this year,? finished senior Ed Brennan, whose time of 16:41 was good for 16th place.
The Wolves finished with 84 points as a team, two behind second place Troy Athens. Lake Orion won the regional title with 57 points.
‘As a team, (Clarkston Coach Mike Taylor) wanted us to group together and I think we did a good job of that,? Ed Brennan said.
Finishing out the scoring for the Wolves were senior Matt Inch (18th, 16:47), junior Nick LaMora (23rd, 16:54) and freshman Jeff Kuhl (24th, 16:57).
Taylor’s team at states is comprised of the Brennan twins, senior Chris Anderson, LaMora, Inch, Kuhl, and senior Larry Cassar. All except for Kuhl and Cassar experienced the state meet last year.
Even with some runners new to the meet, Taylor does not think the field of 28 teams at states will spook the Wolves.
‘Teams from Oakland County have a little bit of an advantage because of the county meet. The state meet is not the biggest meet we run during the year,? said Taylor.
The 2005 Division I boys race is set to begin at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 at the Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.