Hinkelman brothers head to state

Two Milton-Union runners are heading to the OHSAA State Championships after both boys and girls cross country teams competed at the Regional Championships in Troy on Oct. 25. 

The boys team competed in the Division III race in the early afternoon. Leading the boys team not only today, but for the entirety of the season, Colin Hinkelman placed 12th in a time of 16:11.21. This secured him a spot in the State Championship for his second year in a row. 

Also moving on to the State Championship was his younger brother, Grant Hinkelman. As only a freshman, he placed 18th and ran the challenging course in a time of 16:32.43. 

The boys team went into the race expecting to qualify for the state race as an entire team. Although they missed it by just one spot, many athletes still had impressive races to end both the season, and for some, their careers. 

Freshman Finn Hinkelman came in next for the teams. He placed 52nd in a time of 17:38.63, followed by senior Chase Parsons. 

Parsons finished in 75th with a time of 18:17.43. With this, he ended his five-year career on the Regional course. Also finishing up their career was Andrew Oaks, who placed 85th with a time of 18:30.84. Oaks ended a six-year career. 

Last in for the ‘dogs was Tyler Shoemaker, who also ended a six-year career. He placed 120th with a time of 19:16.47. 

The team placed sixth, losing the state qualifying spot to Madeira High School out of Cincinnati. 

The girls team also ended their season completely, with no runners qualifying on. 

Leading the team as she did all season, was sophomore Aubree Bates. She placed 39th overall with a time of 21:06.30. Amelia Iddings came in next for the girls in 68th place with a time of 21:55.23. 

Madalyn Korte, coming off an injury from a few weeks prior, came in 105th place with a time of 22:51.64. Junior Sydnie Bartlett will head into her senior year after a finish in 116th place and a time of 23:20.09. 

Ending their six-year careers are Alaina Manning, who placed 119th with a time of 23:23.22, and Jessa Lightner in 151st place with a time of 24:53.06. 

Mallory Coate was the last runner for the girls’ team and placed 152th with a time of 24:54.23. 

The team finished in 16th place out of 21 total teams. Congratulations to all the seniors on their great career and to all the runners on a successful season.