(St. Xavier's Conor Bohrer shown during his team's first place finish at OHSAA District VOA)
Conor Bohrer capped off his high school cross country racing career in style this past weekend at the RunningLane National Championships, hosted by the University of Alabama - Huntsville.
Bohrer, one of the leaders of St. Xavier's OHSAA Division 1 state meet runner-up squad and a Duke University commit, clocked 15:04.46 at the John Hunt Running Park for a new personal best mark over the 5km distance.
Bohrer provided MileSplit Ohio with a detailed race summary upon his arrival home from Alabama.
RunningLane National Championships Race Report by Conor Bohrer
Going into the race, I was really just excited to travel down and compete against some of the top talent in the nation. My motivation to keep running was fueled by the school record (before Nate shattered it) set by Michael Hall a few years ago (15:10); I've had my eyes set on that time for a while. Normally I don't focus on times, but this was a unique opportunity to do so.
The gun went off, and I got out quickly. I remember hearing 4:38 at the mile, but I wasn't startled; I had immense confidence in myself, my coaches, and my training. I lost a little bit of ground in the second mile, but I kept my foot on the gas and rolled through two in 9:35. The toughest part of the course was a decent incline around 2.25, but I knew my goal was in sight and used the incline as a chance to pass people. I remember coming down the chute at the end and was elated as the clock struck 15:04 as I crossed the line.
I must concede: I will be thinking about those 4 seconds for a while. It is difficult to be that close to 15 flat and not break it. On the other hand, I was thrilled to be able to participate in this meet and elated to achieve the goal that I set out to conquer years ago.
I am so blessed to have people like my parents, coaches, and Nate that are willing to help me train an extra two weeks after state and drive down 6 hours just to cheer me on for a couple minutes. Couldn't have dreamed of a better way to end my St. Xavier cross country career.
Going into break, I can't help but think of the future. I am so excited to lay it all out there one more season with my brothers on the track, and the next time cross country season rolls around, I am pumped to be competing as a member of the Duke Blue Devils.
(Conor Bohrer mixing it up in the lead pack at the St. Xavier Invitational)