BXC STATE FINALS: Sorrells wins individual crown, #1 Carmel rebounds

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From ihsaa.org

Top-ranked Carmel swept the boys and girls team titles at the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in Terre Haute Oct. 27, while Barr-Reeve senior Connor Sorrells became the first runner from his school to win a cross country state title at the 67th Annual IHSAA State Finals.

Zach Panning of Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran moved out to a sizeable lead through the first 3,000 meters, but Sorrells caught him and pulled away late to win in 15:21.3. Panning finished as the runner-up in 15:26.5, with Troy Reeder of Hamilton Southeastern third in 15:28.8, Jackson Bertoli of Terre Haute South fourth in 15:34.2, and Lowell’s Kyle Eller fifth in 15:35.2.

Carmel captured the crown for the first time since 2008 to end No. 7 Columbus North’s run of three straight years. Three Greyhounds – Bobby Browning in 15:55.2, Charlie Watson in 15:56.9, and Ben Veatch in 15:58.2 – finished 15-16-17 overall to lead the way.

“We ran an incredible team race to win with 93 points,” said Carmel coach Erhard Bell. “The team placed six runners in the Top 38 places with a time gap of 11 seconds for a great display of team pack running.

“I am so proud of my athletes, who never wavered in their belief that they could accomplish special things with hard work and dedication. We had our challenges during the season; however, they remained strong and were able to achieve their dreams. I am honored to have coached a fine group of gentlemen and I thank them, their parents, and the entire administrative staff for having given me the opportunity to coach at the greatest high school in Indiana.

Bell said the meet was a special moment for him in many ways – especially with the knowledge that 37 years ago he stood on the podium for Southport High School as the Cardinals won their third state championship under legendary coach Tom Hathaway.

“Mr. Hathaway passed away this past April, and I had dedicated this season in honor and to the memory of my phenomenal high school coach,” Bell said. “It was truly special to me to have a Southport connection to the first boys state championship awarded after his passing.”

Carmel will next compete as the Carmel Distance Alliance in the NXN Midwest Regional Meet on Nov. 11 in an attempt to qualify for the NXN Championships in Portland, Ore.

For complete results, click here.

Carmel’s Watson named Mental Attitude Award winner
Following the races, Carmel’s Charlie Watson was announced as the winner of the boys cross country Mental Attitude Award by the IHSAA Executive Committee. Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the proud corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented the school with a $1,000 scholarship in his name.

The Committee annually presents the award to a senior they determined best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability.

Charlie is the son of Andrew and Gretchen Watson of Carmel.