LEXINGTON — Seth Gard registered one of best times in the state in the 3,200-meter run at the Division II regional meet on Saturday, May 27, at Lexington High School.

Unfortunately, for the Eaton senior, he just happened to be in arguably the most loaded regional for that event as well.

Gard placed fifth with a season best time of 9 minutes, 46.81 seconds. The top four in each event qualify for the state meet.

“We knew going in that his race was for the fourth spot to advance on to the state championships. This year the talent level in the 3,200-meter run at the Lexington regional was nothing less than unbelievable,” Eaton coach Randy McKinney said. “Next week the four young men that finished ahead of Seth are going to place in the top five at the state championships.”

According to McKinney, Gard ran the seventh fastest time in the state in Division II, “but unfortunately just happened to be in the fastest 3,200 meter regional race in the state. Sometimes that’s just the way things work out at the next level.”

McKinney complemented Gard on an outstanding career at Eaton.

“Seth has had an outstanding career here at Eaton in both track and field and cross country. Qualifying to the regional championships again this year was just another great addition to his stellar career,” McKinney said. “He has always represented the school, himself, the community, the track and field and cross country programs with nothing but class. I have been honored to coach Seth over the last six years. It is always exciting and challenging to have the honor of coaching an athlete with the talent of a Seth Gard. He now will move on to bigger and better things as he begins to prepare for extending his running career at Ohio University as a member of the men’s Cross Country team this fall.”