The Chillicothe Hornets cross country team wrapped up a historic season at the Class 3 State Championships in Columbia, led by senior Luke Thompson, who became the first four-time state medalist in program history.
Thompson finished 10th overall with a time of 16:15, marking the third-fastest race of his career. He stayed with the lead pack through the 3K mark before closing out his Hornet career with another outstanding performance.
“The goal was to go out with the lead pack and see how long he could hold on,” said Coach Dickson. “Luke has spent four years putting everything into this program—his work ethic, leadership, and dedication have set a new standard for what it means to be a Chillicothe runner.”
Thompson’s legacy extends beyond medals. Known for his commitment, humility, and leadership, he’s been the first to arrive, the last to leave, and a constant source of encouragement for his teammates.
The Hornets boys team finished 16th overall at state—a strong showing for a young squad in which 9 of 12 team members are underclassmen. Four runners set personal bests on the tough Gans Creek course.
State Meet Results – Boys:
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10th – Luke Thompson, 16:15 (4x State Medalist)
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119th – Spencer Johansen, 18:28 (10th-fastest freshman in Class 3)
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132nd – Brody Norris, 18:46
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134th – Anthony Eckert, 18:47 (PR)
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148th – Ben Cady, 19:21 (PR)
Senior Trace Akers closed out his consistent Hornets cross country career while Alexander England had a late season breakout and made his varsity debut in the 2nd part of the year. Freshmen Zain Wahid and Garrett Wheeler, along with sophomore Sam Saale, served as alternates and played key roles in the team’s depth and development.
Eckert’s story stood out as one of the season’s most memorable. A senior who joined the team in August to get in shape for basic training, he quickly showed his ability, earning an all-district medal and competing at state just nine weeks later.
On the girls’ side, junior Sophie Hurtgen and sophomore Payton McGee represented Chillicothe at state after earning individual qualifications.
State Meet Results – Girls:
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96th – Sophie Hurtgen, 22:22 (8 seconds off PR)
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133rd – Payton McGee, 23:49 (PR 22:48 at Districts)
Hurtgen capped a breakout season, improving by nearly two minutes from last year, while McGee impressed in her first season of cross country.
“Sophie has been laser-focused all year and has worked incredibly hard to reach this level,” Coach Dickson said. “Both she and Payton have bright futures ahead, and this experience will only make them stronger.”
With nearly every runner returning next season and a talented incoming freshman class, both the boys’ and girls’ programs look poised for continued success.
“It’s been an incredible season,” said Coach Dickson. “We’re young, hungry, and proud—with an exciting future ahead.”
