By Courtney West, LPHS Hi Times writer

LaPorte runners join the pack at the Bransford Classic back in August.

LaPorte runners join the pack at the Bransford Classic back in August.

   The LaPorte boys cross country team ended its season with a strong 11th-place finish at state.

   On Oct. 31, 24 teams competed in the state run at Wabash Valley Sports Center in Terre Haute.

   Sophomore Mitch Hubner and junior Josh Hojnacki were the top two finishers for LaPorte. Hubner’s 33rd-place finish, with a time of 17:03, fell four seconds short of All-State recognition. The Indiana Coaches Association recognizes the top 25 finishers with All-State titles.

   Following Hubner, Hojnacki finished 53rd with a time of 17:15. Justin Miller was next for LaPorte with a time of 17:32, good for 81st. Austin Alcorn clocked in at 17:47 to earn the 105th spot, and Nick Wilczewski finished in 126th in 18:00.

   The weather on race day wasn’t as nice as it could have been.

Writer Courtney West

Writer Courtney West

   “It was a nice day, but the course was really sloppy because it had rained all day the day before,” said Hojnacki.

   Despite less than pleasant weather conditions, LaPorte’s 11th-place finish was better than last year’s 13th-place finish.

   The team is now looking forward to improving even more next season.

   “Next year, we plan to go to state and place well,” said Hubner.