As for the cross country Senior Night Wednesday at Baker Field, it was a case of sometimes girls and boys just want to have fun as it was a night of running, giving, trivia, goodie bags, and even a heat winner getting help from 10 of his friends.
 
And it was a night of a first, as senior Beckett Culbertson got his just reward as he broke the tape in his heat, while our girls got "relaxed but great" performances out of Ellison Losin, Beatrice Jones, and Brooke Hausmann to name only some. This race featured a female pyramid with 200 meters to go, while coaches, photographers, and parents stood by wondering what was coming next.
 
As for the boys' heat, it was a case of teamwork with no "I" in the word anywhere in the stadium, as the male squad carried the temporarily injured Ethan Ganucheau across the tape for his one-legged win. 
 
Gavin Miles and Harris Bradford were the temporary leaders until Ethan appeared out of nowhere, getting more help than a boy could possibly get. 
 
Besides the running, there was trivia – what coach used to coach Middle School football at HIES? Which one used to coach tennis? What year did the girls win state?
 
As for the last question, it was November 2^nd, 2019, at approximately 9:13 a.m., with Reese Neumann, Hayden Puett, Reese Martin, Emily Kallis, Maddie Poch, Erin Hill, and Jessica McNair the order of finish in the 21-point win, but thanks for asking.
 
Bottom line: Running is a tough sport. Face it, you might puke. So, if the kids can gather round the track and enjoy fellowship, fun, and frolic then so be it.
 
Looking ahead, the Running Bears will close out regular season this Saturday down in Fairburn in a meet hosted by Starr's Mill. After that, Sectionals are Nov. 1^st at nearby Wesleyan before the state meet at Carrollton, slated for Nov. 7^th.
 
A finish line: It will be illegal to carry a runner across in postseason. Here's to hope, health, and healing to all involved.