by Brett Hoffman
As cross country season comes to an end, senior Michael Passmore has moved into the State competition level. After an incredible season filled with record breaking times, Passmore will compete at State this Saturday.
It is a race unlike any other,” Passmore said. “There are 200 kids all trying to be the first one to finish and all that lays between us is a narrow course.”
Michael has competed at State for cross country once before, finishing in 33rd place. He has improved greatly this year, setting a new school record of 15:39 for the 5k race, and is ready to give his best effort at State.
“I’m going to position myself so I am about in 30th place at the first K, then I’m going to try to pass a person every thirty seconds until there are no more to pass,” Passmore said.
Boys’ and girls’ cross country coach Adam Hook has coached Passmore throughout his high school running career. Hook is proud of Passmore’s hard work this season and has high hopes for Passmore’s performance at State.
“Michael is not only the first person to advance to State in several years, but he has done it in back-to-back seasons,” Hook said.
Most of the cross country will be going with Michael to cheer him on at State, and they have gone all out to stand out among the audience at the competition. Some of the things the team will be doing are decorating the bus, dressing in costume and painting their stomachs with inspirational messages for Passmore.
“We have high hopes for Michael and hope that our demonstration of team spirit will propel him to victory,” junior Paige Baker said.
Come out to cheer Michael on this Saturday at the State competition in Terre Haute.
