Wasp runners place 3rd at state

Juab won the Region 14 boys cross country championship this year then took home a third-place finish at state.

"Lorenzo Jenson was my team leader," said coach Gary Nielsen. "He was a stallion."

In a previous meet this year, the Wasps clashed with Parowan, which eventually won the state title. Parowan's top three runners all finished ahead of Jenson on that occasion.

At the state meet, Nielsen mapped out a strategy:

"Jenson needed to pass those three Parowan runners. That was his assignment," said Nielsen. "He did it. (Jenson) told me, 'If I can get two of them, I can get the third.' And he got em."

Nielsen said his Nos. 4 and 5 runners faltered and that cost them the title.

"But I have no regrets," he added. "My guys ran good."

Ultimately, Nielsen gave credit to both Richfield and Parowan, who finished ahead of the Wasps.

"Those other kids just ran better," he said.

Next year Nielsen will say goodbye to Jenson, who graduates along with Tyler Richins. He welcomes everyone else back. Sophomore Josh Richins, younger brother of Tyler, will return to try and better his 13th place finish at state.

Another top 20 finisher, Steve Burke, returns as a senior and sophomore Brian Dinkel will form the nucleus of next year's team. Nielsen is optimistic that his runners will again challenge for a region championship.

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E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com