By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Seaman junior Brody Anderson is in just his second year of high school cross country after opting to play soccer as a freshman.
But while you could make a case that another year of cross country might have sped up Anderson's development in the sport, the Viking standout doesn't regret that decision in the least.
Seaman junior Brody Anderson (276) won the individual title in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational, his second straight win to open the 2024 season. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
"I'm honestly kind of glad that I didn't (run as a freshman),'' Anderson said. "I'm glad I played soccer because it made me realize that I didn't love it as much and when track rolled around I was like, 'I've got something good and I'd like to build on it.' ''
Late start of not, Anderson has already carved out an impressive career for the Vikings, setting a five-kilometer school record and running in the Class 5A state meet last fall and opening the 2024 season with back-to-back individual titles.
After winning last week at Manhattan, Anderson followed that up with a 21-second win in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational at Kanza Park, clocking a five-kilometer time of 15 minutes, 17.05 seconds.
"It's been really fun and all the work and practices have been hard, difficult and you just go out and kill the workouts,'' Anderson said. "It's great to have everything pay off here in my races, and I just try to be the best I can be.''
Now Anderson just wants to build on his fast start.
"I think it will be difficult holding these times throughout the season and I know I want to peak at state, so coach (Luke Wiens) will have a plan to get that done,'' Anderson said.
Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman finished second in Saturday's Joe Schrag Invitational, leading the Chargers to a second-place team finish. [Photo by Rick Peterson/TSN]
Anderson led a one-two city finish in Saturday's race, with Topeka West senior Adrian Lehman finishing second in 15:38.22.
Shawnee Heights senior Evan Carter posted a fifth-place finish in 16:38.83 while three other city runners finished in the top 10 individually.
Topeka West's Tony Lloyd placed seventh (16:55.80), while Shawnee Heights' Max Esquibel was eighth (16:58.98) and West's Mark Wilkie ninth (16:59.45).
Blue Valley Northwest won the team championship by a narrow three-point margin over Topeka West (57-60) while Seaman was another five points back in third (65).
Shawnee Heights finished fourth as a team with 80 points while Topeka High was fifth (91).
JOE SCHRAG INVITATIONAL
At Kanza Park
BOYS
Team scores
Blue Valley Northwest 57, Topeka West 60, Seaman 65, Shawnee Heights 80, Topeka High 91, Jefferson County North 135.
Individual results
1. Brody Anderson, Seaman, 15:17.05; 2. Adrian Lehman, Topeka West, 15:38.22; 3. Jacob D'souza, Blue Valley Northwest, 15:51.53; 4. Jey Durham, Blue Valley Northwest, 16:05.95; 5. Evan Carter, Shawnee Heights, 16:38.83; 6. Lucas Meredith, Jefferson County North, 16:48.91; 7. Tony Lloyd, Topeka West, 16:55.80; 8. Max Esquibel, Shawnee Heights, 16:58.98; 9. Mark Wilkie, Topeka West, 16:59.45; 10. Henry Dickey, Leavenworth, 17:02.98.
Other Seaman -- 11. Alex Newell, 17:06.52; 14. Conner Bloom, 17:17.07; 22. Drake Spurlock, 18:01.87; 27. Corbin Murrow, 18:23.92.
Other Topeka West -- 19. Jayden Sigle, 17:42.03; 30. Ezra Phelps, 18:32.61; 33. Peyton Collette, 19:32.01.
Other Shawnee Heights -- 23. Isaac Song, 18:11.12; 26. Andrew Schulte, 18:19.60; 29. Conner Knernschield, 18:25.54; 31. Carter Vincent, 19:12.84; 35. Carson Anderson, 19:39.34.
Topeka High -- 15. Stuart Campbell, 17:33.32; 16. Easton Davis, 17:34.92; 17. Gregory Njoroge, 17:39.68; 19. Will Toland, 17:45.80; 37. Oliver Snethen, 19:52.32; 38. Tayleon Flores, 20:03.44; 42. Nathan Kandagaye, 20:50.64
Highland Park -- 39. Matias Martinez-Astorga, 20:03.66.
