SM South runner a contender for state title

Source: The Star

FILE PHOTO

Andrew Stevens won a regional championship last week and will compete today in the Kansas Class 6A cross country state meet at Rim Rock Farm.

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What really impresses Shawnee Mission South cross country coach Dave Denny about Andrew Stevens’ senior season are the circumstances that preceded it.

A physical condition caused Stevens to miss nearly all of his junior track season, and success in the spring is usually what vaults an athlete into taking the next step during the following cross country season, Denny said. The setback hasn’t slowed Stevens, though.

Not one bit.

Steven crossed the finish line last Saturday at Shawnee Mission Park in a 5-kilometer time of 16 minutes, 10 seconds to win a Kansas 6A regional championship and further establish himself as one of the top runners in the area — and possibly the state.

“He worked so hard this year that he took the next step. He’s really impressed me in that regard,” Denny said. “That tells a lot about the kid. He’s such a determined kid.”

With five first-place finishes in eight races, by Denny’s records, Stevens will head into Rim Rock Farm this morning for the 6A state meet as a strong contender for the state title. He placed eighth at state as a junior last year.

“I think he’s probably considered one of the top three or four for sure,” Denny said. “And when you’re in that company, anyone can win it. He has a chance. He has a shot at it.”

And he’ll have plenty of familiar company at the meet. The SM South boys convincingly won their regional last weekend, while the girls team placed second as both advanced to state.

Sophomores Michael Gawlick (fourth place, 16:44) and Jack Powell (fifth, 16:45) also made key contributions to the SM South boys’ impressive run at regionals.

The girls were led by seniors Sydney Oltjen (15:42 in 4K) and Hayley Cline (15:44), who finished second and third, respectively, at regionals.

“It’s great to see both teams make it,” Denny said. “What’s great is both of them have a realistic chance to finish in the top three and (get a) trophy.”

submitted by RYAN YOUNG - 2009-10-29 19:36:01