El-Khoury Finishes at State For the Final Time

On Saturday, November 7th, the 2009 State Cross Country meet wrapped up senior Nicholas El-Khoury's Turpin Cross Country career at the Scioto Downs race course in Columbus.  Looking to end his four years of running with improvement and strength, El-Khoury did not disappoint and represented Turpin well in the Division I race.

First, El-Khoury qualified for State at the Regional meet in Troy the week before.  Running with Sophomore Antony Parnigoni, El-Khoury ran a 16:24 which was good for a 7th place qualifying spot to the State meet.  Parnigoni, running in his first ever Regional race, ran a strong 17:17 which placed him at 41st.  The other Spartan competing, junior Adrienne Grogan, also ran very well for her first ever Regional appearance, and came in 34th with a time of 20:21.  However, since only top 16 qualified, El-Khoury continued on to the State meet as the only remaining Turpin athlete.

At the State meet, conditions were optimal for a good race except for the strong winds blowing around Scioto.  El-Khoury went out with the middle pack, in order to work his way up to the front runners.  He did move up to the top 30 runners and was able to get 32nd place with a wind-affected time of 16:35.  Running a smart, strong race, El-Khoury ended his four years as a Turpin XC athlete with hard work and determination, and, because of that, he was the lone Spartan to make it to the State meet.

Congratulations to Nicholas for his many successes and accomplishments.  As the fastest runner to ever come through Turpin high school, he will serve as inspiration to future Turpin athletes for many years to come.  Look for Nicholas and the rest of the Spartans during the 2010 Track season and thank you for supporting Turpin Cross Country!