There probably wasn’t a busier group over the recent fall break than our cross country teams. Or as fast.
The boys cross country team had an amazing two weeks during fall break and will be making the trip to Terre Haute this Saturday for the Giants first team trip to the state finals in 25 years.
That ended a fall break that saw both the girls and boys teams qualify for regional and a record-setting performance by junior Aboubakar Ibrahim, who was the individual regional champion in a time of 15:04. The boys finished fifth as team and qualified for state for the first time since 1999. /That time set a course record at Brownsburg and also is the second fastest time in program history.
“Honestly, I didn’t have strong emotions about it at first,” Ibrahim said of his record performance at Brownsburg. “It felt like a significant accomplishment because I know how hard I worked for it. It was a bit surprising to realize I placed second (fastest) in BD history, but I was proud of myself.”
The Giants will leave around 10 a.m. this Saturday for the trip to Terre Haute. They will walk through the state meet course Friday afternoon. All Giant fans are encouraged to line 10th Street Saturday morning to wish the team well.
In addition to Ibrahim’s performance, coach Ryan McMaster noted these accomplishments:
–The girls were given only a 22% chance to advance and ranked 7th in our sectional, but they ran well and finished fifth.
–Senior Amiah Rhodes was All-Sectional placing 15th.
–Three boys were All-Sectional – Ibrahim, Elroe Tafese (finished 13th), Tesfaldet Hailu (17th).
–Boys place 5th and advance to State for first time since the 1998-99 season.
–This is BD’s 25th State Appearance and breaks a 25 year absence from the state meet.
Ibrahim will be the featured BD runner in the state meet that starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Laverne Gibson Championship Cross Country Course. Tickets are $15 and can only be purchased online.
“I train about four days a week, usually excluding Thursdays,” Ibrahim said as he prepares for state.
While he has the fastest time of the season, Ibrahim enjoys the team aspect of the sport the best.
“My teammates are a huge part of my success,” Ibrahim said. “They really push me to stay mentally strong. Our team is competitive, which helps us during competitions. When I feel stressed, my coaches help calm me down and provide support.”
