Now the bar is set even higher for third year coach Tom Rapp who tries to remain realistic about his team’s upcoming season. “Realistically I’d like to finish in the top five in the state when all is said and done”, said Rapp. “Centerville and defending champ Medina have excellent programs and traditions that I’d like Mason to use as an example”.

Competition is tough amongst the runners where only seven out of sixty will make it onto the varsity roster. For those that don’t make the varsity roster it isn’t any easier as they are expected to continue to improve on the other teams and push each other as a unit to constantly do well.

Ed Carlin is the only returning junior on last year’s state squad. Rapp expects good things from Carlin as well as current freshman sensation Zachary Wills who just won the 3200 meter OHSAA state championship in track and field. Wills is the first runner from Mason to win a state title in Div I and he did it while setting a school record of 9:15.34.

“Zach has a lot of God-given talent but he is a very humble young man that exudes a quiet confidence. He fears no-one but he isn’t the kid of person to go around saying it”, said Rapp.

As a fan it would be easy to cheer for Mason because all you would have to do is yell “Come on Matt” and you would be cheering for four very good runners. Matt Larcomb who was one of the top sophomores in Ohio track and field looks to improve on his efforts. Matt Kahl along with last year’s freshman duo of Matt Kincaid and Matt Honaker are expected to have break-out years and could propel the Comets to their second state tournament appearance.

“Cross country runners need to understand that the sport has delayed gratification with the payoff coming a few months later. You have to run in the summer to be good in the all. Running is a part of who you are not just something you do”, said Rapp.

CC runners need to understand the sport has delayed gratification – pay off later. Run in the summer to be good in the fall. Running is a part of who you are not just something you do.

Rapp is happy to have assistant Travis Murray on his team to push the kids and make things fun. Murray finished third in the most recent Flying Pig Marathon which was his first ever. Travis is an accomplished runner who ran for CHCA in high school and Western State in Colorado during college which is a top Div II school.

One thing the head coach would like for people to remember is that cross county should be seen as a successful sport that kids want to be a part of and realize how much gratification and fun it is.