SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2010 - COLUMBUS
It's been a season the Covington High School boys cross country team will never forget, one that concluded at the state meet on Saturday with a 14th place finish.

The Buccs recorded 274 points as a team.

"I thought all the kids ran a nice race," said Covington coach Josh Long. "This was the first time (at state) for all the boys and I think they may have been a little shell-shocked at first."

Being nervous is to be expected, especially when running the biggest race of your life.

"The kids went out a little more aggressive than normal," Long said. "But each one ran their own race and did the best they could, which is all you ask."

Willy Hoffert led the Buccs, finishing 55th in the time of 66:55.2. It was a very rewarding experience for the senior, who tasted state for the first time after battling through illness the past couple of years at the regional meet.

Seniors Brandon Flora, Zach Shilt and Kody Spade also concluded their careers on the biggest stage. Flora finished 94th in a time of 17:28.5, Shilt came in 129th in a time of 18:17.0 and Spade crossed the finish line in 154th in a time of 21:56.2.

"It's exciting for the seniors (to be at state)," Long said. "They all did a great job this year."

Three underclassman also ran for the Buccs with sophomores Dustin Fickert finishing 96th (17:29.2) and Jake Sowers coming in at 137th (18:46.4) and freshman Lane White finishing 100th (17:37.9).

"Those guys return next year and they are going to work," Long said about the underclassman. "They are talented, but they know what it takes to get there. We'll look at these guys to step up and be leaders next year."

But that's in the future.

Long and the Buccs were focused on enjoying the moment from the state meet.

"Right now, we are all just excited about today," he said. "These kids worked hard and deserve this (competing at state)."