Senior Jude Carman competed at Lane Community College for the 5K state race on Nov. 9, finishing 13th with a time of 16:48.
“I was overjoyed,” Carman told Falcon News. “It felt great to cross that finish line to end my high school career.”
Carman placed 11th overall in school history for best 5K times, beating many of his relatives who were strong runners as well. This was also his second year returning to the state competition.
“Having family times to compete against helped push me, and inspired me to keep going,” Carman said.
Carmans time was just a second away from placing top 10 in school history.
He was the only member of cross country this year to go to state, but represented Elmira well. Most of the Falcon team did attend the race to cheer Carman on, supporting the senior one last time.
Following the season, the team held an awards banquet to honor many of the athletes.
The Most Valuable Runner awards were given to Carman and junior Hannah Yaskovic, the future team captain of cross country.
Rookie of the Year awards were also given, going to ninth-graders Ezra Carman, Jude Carman’s younger brother, and Ray Wize, who both performed greatly in their first year and showed consistent growth all season.
As a special gift during the awards banquet, assistant coach and team photographer Derek French gifted Carman and senior JT Myers with small photo albums of their time at meets.
Carman plans to keep running and pursue cross country in college.
