Grace Christian Academy finished second overall at the KCAA State Championships on October 7. The result is the best the Lions have ever achieved at the state competition, according to head coach Danny George.
GCA had a score of 28 and an average time of 20:47. The Lions were just one point behind champions Assumption Academy High School. The highest individual placement for the Lions in the boys’ 5k was Jonathan Dechman who placed third. The results for GCA’s runners are as follows:
- Jonathan Dechman- 3rd: 19:14.96
- Jordan Norris- 6th: 19:49.77
- Joseph Baker- 7th: 19:55.54
- Charlie Hoegg- 12th: 21:36.77
- Elijah Hurt- 15th: 23:20.49
Dechman also received the Mr. Cross Country Award. The award is given to the athlete that has excellent character, academic prowess, community involvement and a high recommendation from two pastors and a coach or teacher, George said. George feels that Dechman was absolutely a good fit to be this year’s recipient.
“I’ve known Jonathan for the past two years,” he said. “I’ve seen him under pressure in sports competitions, in the classroom and in social activities at church and around his peers. Jonathan is mature beyond his years, yet at the same time has no problem getting along with people his age. Outside the classroom he works hard to grow into a godly man.”
