Friday, December 22, 2000
Cincinnati boys cross country all-star team
Padgett continues LaSalle legacy
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Following in the footsteps of past La Salle state champions Steve Padgett (1999) and Doug Bockenstette (1993) would be overwhelming to most runners. Allen Bader was up to the task.
(Front) Jesse Rhodenbaugh, Allen Bader, Pat Rischmann, Nick Westerman, coach Larry Merkel. (Back) Tim King, Ryan Busse, Andy Weitmarschen, Tom Gallagher.
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Bader, who ran in Padgett's shadow last season as a sophomore, became the third La Salle runner to win the Division I state meet.
Taking the lead at the outset, Bader fought off two challengers at the mile mark and went on to easily defeat Hudson sophomore Wesley Smith (15:33) in a time of 15:21.1.
“Steve (Padgett) showed me what it takes and how to do it the past couple of years,” Bader said while pointing at Padgett after claiming the title. “We talked and he encouraged me.”
Undefeated against Ohio runners, Bader is The Cincinnati Enquirer's Division I runner of the year.
“To win state, you must have great talent and a good work ethic,” La Salle coach Frank Russo said. “I knew the first summer three years ago that Allen was a special runner.”
Although St. Xavier returned only three starters from the 1999 Division I state runner up team, coach Larry Merkel was confident the Bombers would bring home the championship trophy.
“We had the best three runners we've ever had and that is why I was confident,” Merkel said. “Andy (Weitmarschen), Tim (King) and Ryan (Busse) were outstanding throughout the season.”
This trio finished seventh, eighth and ninth as the Bombers won the Division I state championship for the second time in three seasons, besting Hudson by 33 points (66-99).
Merkel is The Enquirer's Coach of the Year.
Although Eastern Brown failed to qualify to state as a team, senior Cory Scheadler remained focused and determined, qualifying to the state meet.
Running in the 10th position throughout much of the race, Scheadler closed strong to take fourth place in the Division II race, covering the distance in an outstanding 15:53.
Scheadler earned the Division II-III runner of the year honors.
• Runner of the Year, Division I
Allen Bader, La Salle, Junior, State Champion
• Runner of the Year, Divisions II-III
Cory Scheadler, Eastern Brown, Fourth state meet
• Coach of the Year
Larry Merkel, St. Xavier, State Champions
• First Team
Andy Weitmarschen, St. Xavier, Senior, Seventh State Meet
Tim King, St. Xavier, Senior, Eighth State Meet
Ryan Busse, St. Xavier, Ninth State Meet
Jesse Rhodenbaugh, Talawanda, Senior, 12th State Meet
Patrick Rischmann, La Salle, Senior, 15th State Meet
Nick Westerman, Elder, Senior, 19th state meet
Tom Gallagher, Sycamore, Junior, 23rd state meet.
Honorable Mention: Taylor Garvin, Kings; John Dixon, Fairfield; Garrett Grogan, La Salle; Brad Neumann, Moeller; Eric Mayhaus, La Salle; Nick King, St. Xavier; Rob Cohen, Elder; Ben Weitmarschen, St. Xavier; Bob Wayner, Oak Hills; Adam Honnold, Greenfield McClain; Andy Kennedy, Madeira; John Johnston, Madeira.
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Cincinnati boys cross country all-star team
