After a six-year absence, the Harlan County Black Bears made their return Saturday to Class 2A Region 7 and promptly reclaimed their place at the top.
Harlan County won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 before being moved to Class 3A in realignment. After being placed back in their old home region this season, the Bears dominated Saturday’s championship meet at Morgan County with 20 points, defeating second-place Letcher County Central by 43 points.
“What an inspired performance by these boys. I am so proud of all of them. Their development this season has been amazing,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “Throughout the season I knew they’d have a great chance at region, and those chances increased as they continued to improve. They have improved as much as any team I’ve ever had in my 21 years, and it’s been a joy coaching them.”
Tanner Daniels claimed the regional title, winning the boys race with a time of 16:45.73.
“Tanner has had an amazing season, and I’m really happy for him to cap it with a regional championship,” Vitatoe said. “He’s in elite company in our school’s history as he’s only our third individual regional champion. He ran a fantastic race, and to run sub-17:00 as an eighth grader is fantastic. He’s special, and I’m so excited for him.”
Daniels was immediately followed by Elijah Moore with time of 17:40.15. Kaden Boggs (18:09.58) and Jacob Schwenke (18:27.81) were fourth and sixth, respectively. Evan Simpson (10th) finished with a time of 19:13.36. Caleb Schwenke placed 13th with a time of 19:44.46. He was immediately followed by Ethan Simpson (19:50.81).
“How about Elijah Moore? What a huge PR today. He absolutely hit the last half mile of this race hard, and I was really proud of his finish,” Vitatoe said.
“Kaden Boggs was very aggressive and ran a great race. I’m so proud of him. He’s such a good kid and teammate.
“Jacob had a great race as well. He did a great job of attacking in the last half, and he turned in a great performance. He’s such a hard worker and he just keeps getting better.
“Evan has improved so much this season. I love his heart and determination. He absolutely gave his best effort today. I was really proud of how he closed the race. He really hit the last mile hard with a gritty finish.
“Caleb Schwenke had a great race. He’s been so consistent this season, which is something he really came into the season focused on. He ran a really even race and I’m proud of him.
“Ethan also turned in a great performance. I’m proud of his growth this season.”
Vitatoe also credited the boys on the regional roster who did not participate in the regional: DaShaun Smith, Kaylob Stevens, Jonavan Rigney and Caden Craig.
“It’s important that we acknowledge all of our varsity guys. This accomplishment belongs to all of these guys as well. We are better because of their hard work.
“DaShaun Smith had huge improvements this season and I’m really proud of him.
“Kaylob Stevens is another young guy who works hard every day.
“Jonavan Rigney had a huge season this year. I’m really proud of him.
“Caden Craig is another one of our guys who shows up daily and gives his best effort.
“I hope all these boys recognize what an achievement this is. It’s something that they will remember all their lives. I’m really proud of them. Now the focus shifts to next week’s state championship meet. These guys have a real shot at finishing high if they come to race. I’m super excited for them.”
Harlan County will advance to the Class 2A state championship meet Saturday at Lexington.
| Name | Points | Scorers | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Harlan County | 20 | 1 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 8 (11) (12) |  |
| 2 |
 |
Letcher County Central | 63 | 6 + 9 + 10 + 18 + 20 (32) (33) | |
| 3 |
 |
Morgan County | 99 | 3 + 14 + 22 + 29 + 31 (36) (39) | |
| 4 |
 |
Powell County | 110 | 16 + 17 + 19 + 24 + 34 | |
| 5 |
 |
Bath County | 120 | 7 + 23 + 25 + 30 + 35 (37) | |
| 6 |
 |
Johnson Central | 129 | 15 + 21 + 27 + 28 + 38 | |
| 7 |
 |
Magoffin County | 162 | 13 + 26 + 40 + 41 + 42 (43) (44) | |
All Events| Place | Athlete | Team |
Finish
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tanner Daniels
|
Harlan County – #737 |
16:45.73
|
|
| 2 |
|
Elijah Moore
|
Harlan County – #738 |
17:40.15
|
|
| 3 |
|
Cameron Hall
|
Morgan County – #813 |
17:47.46
|
|
| 4 |
|
Kaden Boggs
|
Harlan County – #736 |
18:09.58
|
|
| 5 |
 |
Aiden Mynhier
|
Lawrence County – #763 |
18:21.80
|
|
| 6 |
|
Jacob Schwenke
|
Harlan County – #741 |
18:27.81
|
|
| 7 |
|
Nathan Kiser
|
Letcher County Central – #779 |
18:35.24
|
|
| 8 |
 |
Levi McFarland
|
Estill County – #725 |
18:51.00
|
|
| 9 |
|
Jonah Gibson
|
Bath County – #708 |
19:09.01
|
|
| 10 |
|
Evan Simpson
|
Harlan County – #743 |
19:13.36
|
|
| 11 |
|
Luke Slone
|
Letcher County Central – #781 |
19:15.58
|
|
| 12 |
|
Evan Dixon
|
Letcher County Central – #776 |
19:16.77
|
|
| 13 |
|
Caleb Schwenke
|
Harlan County – #740 |
19:44.46
|
|
| 14 |
|
Ethan Simpson
|
Harlan County – #742 |
19:50.81
|
|
| 15 |
|
Walker Russell
|
Magoffin County – #800 |
19:52.15
|
|
