Inspiration of parents moves runners
TROY, Ohio - Emily Richmond's mother died three days after giving birth to her 17 years ago. On Saturday, the Roger Bacon junior earned a second consecutive berth in the Ohio Division II state cross country championships with her mother in mind.
Roger Bacon coach Dave Feichtner asks his runners to compete with someone else in mind. Those inspirations motivated Richmond as well as senior Matt Wurtzler, who took seventh in the boys' Division II state race to also continue his season next Saturday at Scioto Downs in Columbus.
"Mr. Feichtner wanted us to be able to call on someone's spirit," said Richmond, who placed 10th with a time of 20 minutes, 11.99 seconds. "I felt my Mom's spirit come back down and help me."
Richmond earned the final state qualifying spot last season, finishing 16th in 19:58.18. Even though her time was slower this season there was no drama on Saturday. She ran in the top 10 for nearly all of the 3.1 miles covered.
Wurtzler won the Greater Catholic League Central league and Division II district championships this season. Wurtzler previously had used cross country season as a way to get into shape for wrestling, but with the help of his father he became more serious about his running.
"My dad trained me and state was a dream," said Wurtzler. "He prepared me for this race and I knew I was going to do well. I had confidence in myself. He has been my main inspiration and last March is when we began to take it seriously."
Last season Wurtzler finished in 40th at the regional meet. His time of 16:43.57 on Saturday cut nearly one minute off of last year's showing.
Kevin Goheen (Cincinnati.com)
Congratulations Matt.........and Dad, Tom!
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1. Henry I. Wurtzler (1832-1903)
2. Alexander Wurtzler (1868-1905)
3. Henry P. Wurtzler (1892-1973)
4. Henry R. Wurtzler (Living)
5. Thomas R. Wurtzler (Living)
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