Makovsky is the first Spartan to compete in State Track Meet in seven years.
by Jake Hazan
photo by Kevin Fleming
Ben Makovsky has given the TJ cross-country program a boost it has not had in seven years. The drought is over.
At the regional competition Makovsky needed to finish at least in 15th place to qualify for the State Meet on October 25. Makovsky knew of the expectations he would need to fulfill to qualify for State, and ran with determination, finishing in 15th with a time of 16:55. “Ben ran with strategy and worked his way to 15th place; it was really cool to watch,” Head Coach Brett Butera said.
Derek Leidigh was the last Spartan to qualify for the State Meet in cross-country in 2001 as a senior, finishing 34th overall. He also qualified in 2000 as a junior, coming in 30th. No Spartan had qualified for State since Leidigh, until Makovsky.
As for Makovsky, he says he is just happy to have a chance to participate in such a prestigious competition, and make Spartan history at the same time. “It feels really good. It is an honor to be a part of TJ athletic history,” said Makovsky. Already feeling proud of what he has accomplished, Makovsky said he feels little pressure as the State Meet approaches. “The whole goal of State was to just run in the competition in the first place,” stated Makovsky.
Makovsky will travel to Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins on Saturday, October 25, and run with the best of the 4A boys at 11:00 am.
