Zorick and Dodson represent Bridgeport; Morgantown and University secure 5-peats in cross country state championships

“It’s good to be down here and get to experience this competition,” Dodson said. “There are a lot of good runners from our area, so we don’t always get to go to the state meets.”

The sophomore Zorick claimed a top-10 finish, finishing 10th with a time of 16:34.55.

“It’s pretty amazing that we’ve been able to come so far as a group,” Zorick said. “Even though we didn’t make the state meet as a team, qualifying individually was really important. We’re back on the map, and I think we’re going to get way better really soon.”

Zorick has seen plenty of achievements as a sophomore. With a Big 10 championship and a high-end finish at the state meet, he looks forward to the next chapter.

“Since I have three more track seasons and two more cross country seasons, that makes me excited to see what is coming up,” Zorick said. “I’m already so far ahead. It’d be cool to see where I might be in a few years if I keep it up.”

Zorick also loves the strength of the region around him. It includes University, who claimed their fifth consecutive team title on Saturday.

“It pushes me because everyone’s so much faster,” Zorick said. “It really makes you have to get up, do your workouts and do your runs. Sometimes, it’s just talent, but hard work can overcome talent. I’m a believer of that.”

For Dodson, the state meet was about overcoming barriers.

“The last two seasons, I’ve had injuries and was not able to compete at regionals,” Dodson said. “It means a lot to be able to at least compete at the regional meet, secure a spot and get the opportunity to run here.”

With injuries taking its toll, Dodson found a path to recovery and ultimately found a way to represent Bridgeport in his final season.

“It takes a lot of effort,” Dodson said of overcoming injury. “A lot of times, when you are sitting on the sidelines watching, it becomes tough to see. You put in all the work, but it doesn’t add up to anything. You have to keep at it.”

“I did some low-impact work with my foot,” Dodson added. “Once this year came around, I tried to be more careful and tried to stretch more. It’s just commitment and keeping your mind focused.”

Dodson’s time of 17:23.80 placed him 32nd.

University’s Drew Zundell finished third overall to pace the Hawks. His time of 15:46.23 was yet another strong performance from the decorated senior.

“My final race hasn’t hit me yet,” Zundell said. “I think we did good as a team. This is the last time I’ll wear this singlet on a cross course. I’m proud of those guys and everything I’ve been able to do.”

In the moments that followed his final race, though, Zundell found himself reflecting on his mindset progression.

“My freshman year, I didn’t get to run this race,” Zundell said. “To put on this jersey for a chance to win, it’s something I am grateful for. The same kid four years ago didn’t want to come here and win, he just wanted to come here and race. It’s something I tell myself. Be grateful that you are here. Above all things, you’re here to race.”

The Hawks secured the team score 5-peat, totaling a 35 to claim yet another boys’ cross country state championship in AAA.

Speaking of repeats, Morgantown found its fifth consecutive girls’ team title as well.

Madeline Gump claimed the individual championship with a time of 18:28.47, securing a state title in her senior season.

“I was really nervous,” Gump said. “Honestly, for the past year, I’ve been thinking about this race. Days lead up and I’m still insanely nervous. I calmed down through the race. My cues really helped me take my mind off of things and focus on how I’m feeling.”

With 10 combined cross-country championships between University and Morgantown in the past five seasons, something must be in the water in Monongalia County.

Gump says it’s the culture of running in Morgantown that brings the region together.

“All of us push each other,” Gump said of the culture in Morgantown between the two schools. “Having that atmosphere in Morgantown, we see each other all the time. We motivate each other. It’s good competition.