KETTERING — Coming off an All-Ohio performance at the OHSAA State Cross Country Championships, Eaton senior Seth Gard competed at the Mid-East Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Indian Riffle Park in Kettering.
Gard was one of 12 high school men chosen to represent Ohio. Gard is only the second Eaton male athlete to ever compete in the race — the last was Ryan Clark in 1998.
Eaton’s program has had six other nominations in the past for the men’s All-Ohio team and three nominations for the All-Ohio women’s team.
“To get a nomination alone is quite an honor, but to be chosen to actually compete is a real rarity when only 12 individuals are chosen to represent the State of Ohio each year,” Eaton cross country coach Randy McKinney said. “Seth has worked very hard over the last six years to become the runner he is today. What a great way for him to finish up his high school Cross Country career. What a great honor not only for Seth, but also for our Cross Country program and the Eaton Community.”
Gard placed 44th overall and the Ohio men’s team placed third behind Michigan and Indiana and ahead of Illinois.
With temperatures in the low-30’s and wind gusting with snow showers McKinney said the conditions were not ideal.
“Not great racing weather, but the overall competition helped Seth forget about the frigid weather conditions by focusing on the quality field of competitors,” McKinney said. “Saturday was a great way for Seth to put an exclamation point on the many high school Cross County accomplishments he has earned over the last four years. I am very honored to have had the opportunity to coach him the last six years.”
