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Chelsea cross country team finished sixth in state championships, Horn 12th

(Chelsea Update would like to thank coach Eric Swager for the information in this story.)

Chelsea finished sixth out of 28 teams in the cross country state championships held last weekend at Michigan International Speedway and senior Austin Horn ran 15:43, finishing 12th

Horn’s time was the fifth fastest ever run in Chelsea Bulldog history, according to his coach, and this was the 7th time in the past 13 years that Chelsea has finished in the top 10 as a team. He earned his second straight all-state award came with a 20-second lifetime best.

In addition, Jacob Stubbs also earned an all-state award. He, too, is in the top 10 for fastest all-time at Chelsea.

Tony Vermilye dropped 20 seconds off his previous best to beat his ranking by a substantial amount.

Horn was named MVP for the year and David Trimas was named MIP.

The Mark Kerr “Man up” Award went to Vermilye and the SEC Sportsmanship Award was given to Charlie Miller.

Captains awards went to Horn, Miller and Avery Osentoski.

“This is my 18th year as head coach, and top to bottom this was my fastest team,” said Coach Eric Swager in a press release. “We ended up with five runners going under 17:00, and a total of 10 under 18:00,” he said.

“The signature of this team was hard work and a good attitude … We had very few negative times – a tribute to some good senior leadership. “

Swager said 11 straight state finals appearances is among the best in the state, and “We will try to continue that streak next year by putting in our miles in the off season.”

He said the team will return “a strong group of underclassmen who should be hungry to compete for a varsity spot next year.”

Swager said, “I would like to thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on this team and our community.”

He also thanked his assistant coach Mike Holik, all the parents and others who have “supported us with food, transportation, and cheers throughout this season. I am humbled by the effort put in by so many people to make this sport the most successful here at Chelsea High School.”

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