Austin Sprague Headed to NXN Nationals Qualifies 4th, St.Pius Boys Place 5th
Austin Sprague wasn't fazed at all running stride by stride with a pack of Brentwood studs having a great race placing 4th overall in 15:08 qualifying as an individual for the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland Oregon. St. Pius X represented Ga strongly placing 5th as a team.
Coach McClay comments on the race for the St.Pius X Boys:
NXN still went pretty well for us. 15:52 team average and still finish 5th? What are you gonna do? We faded a little bit late. We weren't going to beat Brentwood or Severna Park as they were just too strong. Our guys showed them Georgia teams are legit at least. Austin had a great day obviously. He was just running to qualify and celebrated a little at the end.
The race went out fast as usual and our guys put themselves up in the mix from the gun. Austin was in the top ten at the mile and actually led much of the 2nd mile. But the 3rd mile, he just kept it together to make sure he stayed in the top 5. Joey didn't quite get the start he wanted but moved up the whole way for what normally would be good enough for top 20. Just a fast bunch this year. Stephen, Nik, and Andrew all got after it, with Stephen sticking it. Good day still, we were in the mix and represented Ga well. I'm proud of them for such a great season.
