Photos by Jay W. Bennett The Ritchie County boys cross country team poses for a picture on the podium after securing its third straight state title Saturday in Ona.

Lipscomb, who had a goal to run a 15:49, finished five seconds off the Class AA/A state record with a final clocking of 15 minutes and 57 seconds. Junior teammate Trent Gola was the runner-up, but the Rebels were able to use pack running to eke out a 41-50 victory. Williamstown, which was led by Zach Cannon’s all-state effort (7th, 17:47.41), amassed 67 points to take third.

“I’m super proud of the way the team performed,” Lipscomb said.

“As you know it was super cold and foggy and even humid for 40 degrees out there today. For the conditions we had we came out here and did our jobs and we did it well.

“Obviously, the ultimate goal wasn’t to come out here and be state runners-up, but Ritchie ran their race and ran it well. Having Trent second overall I’m just so proud of him. He’s worked so hard for this moment and I know that next year when he comes back he’s got a chance for that state title. Keep your eyes on him.”

Photos by Jay W. Bennett Doddridge’s Carter Lipscomb runs during Saturday’s state cross country meet in Ona, where he secured the boys single-A state championship.

Ritchie County’s Brady Layman had his eyes on Cannon for most of the race. Despite his best effort, the Rebel settled for an all-state effort of eighth place with a time of 17:47.76.

“Pretty much went out there today and just gave it my all,” said Layman, who watched teammates Isaac Slater (11th), Creed Knight (15th), Tatem Elliott (20th) and Heath Knight (21st) factor into the scoring. “I’m not much of a runner. I’m more of a wrestler, but I just went out there and did what I had to do today.

“We came home with a state championship and I got all-state so we’re pretty happy today. I knew it was going to be close and we were going to have to run very well today to be able to pull it off. Our cards played out right and we came out on top.”

Representing Wood County Christian for the first time at the state meet was junior Michael Cline, who finished in 17:46 to secure sixth place and all-state accolades.

“The last race I had I came in at like 19:03 and then I was running with Zach Cannon from Williamstown,” the Wildcat said of the race. “They were cooking the first mile and the second mile and the next thing I know I ran a PR.

“My coach said I could get anywhere from five to 15th. I was like I’m going to get top 10 so I just kept running. (Conditions) were a little brisk and I’m dealing with an ankle injury and it kept locking up because of the cold weather, but I just kept running with Zach.”

Brennan Miller (18th), William Atkinson (22nd) and Josh Berke (36th) comprised the remainder of Doddridge County’s top five scorers.

“We had no idea until they announced the awards. We didn’t know if we were going to be first or second, coach Vaughan expressed. “All we knew it was going to be a close race. We were expecting it all season.

“We had no idea how we were going to race today. We’ve been having quarantine issues. We lost one of our top five so today we had to have some sixth, seventh and eighth runners step up to make up the difference and they did.”

Wirt County’s best finish came from A.J. Petrovsky, who finished 14th and was one spot behind Yellowjacket Dawson Winsett.

Ravenswood’s Cade Curfman (17th), St. Marys’ Blake Stanton (24th) and Gilmer County’s Jacob Chapman (50th) led their respective squads.

Lipscomb expressed his gratitude following the trophy presentation.

“Coach (Craig) Kellar, I just want to thank you individually for getting me started in this great sport and showing me the ways of a champion, how to conduct myself on and off the course.

“Coach (Josh) Weekley, I want to thank you so much for training me up to the man I am today and showing me what hard work looks like and making me run all those hills when I got in trouble freshman and sophomore years because that really helped me now. I want to thank those guys a lot for what they done for me. It’s so sad this is my last chance to really thank them for all the things they’ve done for me.”

The runner-up team finish for Doddridge County was its second straight.

“I thought all of our kids did the best they could today,” Kellar said. “We come out of it with two seconds (girls runner-up).

“I think most people would be very happy with that. A little disappointing the boys didn’t win, but we gave our best and put our heart in it and came up just a little short against an excellent team.”

After crossing the finish line to cap a perfect season, Lipscomb dropped to his knees to give thanks.

When asked what was going through his mind as he sprinted all alone down the final stretch of track, the Bulldog pondered for a moment, but wasn’t lost for words.

“Pain. Not really necessarily in the race, but if I had to pick one word to describe it, it would be pain,” he said. ” Pain that I never get to come back here in a Doddridge uniform, you know, after all the memories I’ve made here. Four for four (all-state) is a great accomplishment.

“I feel like after today I can finally leave with a sense of accomplishment that it was all for something. The team can succeed in years coming and for the foreseeable future. They can succeed because of hopefully what I’ve helped create with the team.”

Lipscomb has narrowed down his college list to a handful and plans to make a decision before graduation.

“This is the beginning for me,” said the Bulldog. “I mean this is the end of a chapter, but it’s definitely not the end of my story. I’m ready to take on any challenge

“It’s all about hard work and staying healthy and if I can continue to do those two things and carry myself the way I’ve carried myself throughout my career I think there’s good things in store. We just have to make it happen.”

Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com