Published: October 25, 2008 11:28 pm         

OBA boys capture state titles

SHAWNEE — Oklahoma Bible Academy’s boys had a rare combination at the Class 2A state cross country championships at the Gordon Cooper Vo Tech Center.

The Trojans not only were the fastest in taking their third state title in three years, but they were the smartest as well, taking the state academic championship as well.

“We’re feeling pretty good,’’ said OBA coach Clellie Richards. “The academic championship is an added bonus.’’

Shaun Koehn, fourth, 16:43 and Sam Cannon, eighth, earned All-State honors as the Trojans beat out No. 1-ranked Hooker, 54-66 for the team championship.

Nathan Whitson earned alternate All-State honors, finishing 11th in 17:39. Other OBA times were Luke Thomas, 18th, 18:02; Nathan Marshall, 26th, 18:17; Brandon Bixler, 46th, 19:21; and Taylor Gray, 57th, 19:46.

“The boys ran extremely well,’’ Richards said. “Everybody had their best times by 30 seconds to a minute. This is the most focused team I’ve ever had as far as what they wanted to do as a team.’’

Every OBA runner beat their Hooker counterpart as the Trojans avenged a loss to the Bulldogs at last week’s regional meet at Crosslin Park.

“You can’t do any better than that,’’ Richards said. “Everybody did their jobs.’’

Richards sensed the Trojans would have a good meet.

“We had an extremely good practice Monday and Tuesday,’’ he said. “That gave me a lot of confidence. This group is the smartest I’ve ever had as far as knowing how to pace themselves. They took it to another level today.’’

Koehn made All-State for the second straight year.

“We felt confident both Shaun and Sam would make All-State if they ran a good race,’’ Richards said. “I was real proud of Nathan Whitson. He was battling congestion, but he ran a good race. Everybody ran well for their talent.’’

Calera’s Cale Eidson repeated as the individual champion with a time of 16:16. Watonga’s Nigel Hampton was second with a time of 16:41. Woodland’s Brock Hime, the nephew of Enid superintendent Shawn Hime, was third with a time of 16:42.

Walters was third with 81 points, followed by Watonga with 135 and Tonkawa 154.

OBA’s girls were 12th with 244 points. Thomas (46) and Watonga (68) were 1-2 in the team competition.

OBA’s times were Taylor Miller, 36th, 13:50; Morgan Jantz, 51st, 14:21; Jessica Dickinson, 66th, 14:49; Natalie Rogers, 68th, 14:54; Marie Rempe, 87th, 16:27; and Emily Moore, 93rd, 18:55.

“All the girls ran their personal best times so I was pretty pleased with how we did,’’ Richards said.