Buchanan, Thormeier Qualify for State, Boys Team Places 5th at Regionals


The Bryan boys cross country team and Kate Thormeier and Nicolette Stickney competed on Saturday at the D2 Tiffin regional. The top individual 16 finishers and top 4 teams in each race qualified for state.

The boys team finished in 5th, narrowly missing qualifying for state in a very close race, finishing 2 points behind Celina.

The boys were once again led by senior Braydon Buchanan, placing 15th and securing an individual qualifying spot for the state meet. Josiah Cummins finished in 21st, Elijah Cummins in 24th, Khris Alspaugh in 37th, Nye Bradbee in 42nd, Colton Sheline in 46th, and Malaki Neilson in 47th. We had two personal bests on the day between Khris and Nye while most others were close to their best. All 7 boys ran faster on this course at regionals than the Tiffin Carnival last month.

“I’m proud to coach these young men. They gave it their all on Saturday. Having a sour taste of finishing 5th is not what anyone wants, but thankfully we have 6 of our top 7 boys returning, a group not in our top 7 hungry to contribute next year, and junior high boys who can’t wait to be apart of the success of the high school cross country program. Great job to Braydon for qualifying to state and for pouring his heart into this program these past few years. I couldn’t be happier for him!”

Kate and Nicolette competed in the D2 girls race. Kate qualified to state in cross country for the third year in a row while Saturday was not Nicolette’s day as she placed 27th.

“Kate planted herself in a position that allowed for wiggle room, placing in 11th. She has been at this meet all four years and knew what she needed to do in order to advance. I’m excited she has the opportunity to run at Fortress Obetz once again.”