Ben Jay and Aftin Griffin pushed the limits once again. Ben and Aftin both advanced to the State Championship race on November 2. Aftin Griffin is a two-year state qualifier while Ben Jay became the first ever Lewis Cass male runner to qualify for State. Both athletes ran personal bests at the regional meet. Griffin broke the school record while Jay tied the record.
Over the years of boys’ cross country at Lewis Cass, the team may be shrinking but the talent is ever-increasing. When talking to Lewis Cass Athletic Director, Mr. Marschand, about the many strong athletes who have competed in men’s cross country at Cass, he was asked how he thought Ben compared to them. Mr. Marschand said, “I have had the honor of watching Ben Jay run since his days in elementary school. His dedication and endless work ethic have gotten him where he is today. Those amazing traits will also allow him to be as successful as he wishes to be in upcoming seasons. His future will be unlimited.” This is high praise for Ben, however, it is well deserved.
Head coach Mr. Don Bonsett has been coaching for 55 years and has coached junior high girls cross country coach, Leslie Guy, his first athlete to qualify for State. Mr. Bonsett expressed his pride when asked about his proudest moment in Ben, “I am most proud of the example that Ben sets for Lewis Cass Cross Country and Lewis Cass Schools. He is a hard worker when he’s training, but he also steps it up when getting involved in community activities.” The coaches and adults in Ben’s life have shown their endless support and pride in Ben over his high school career.
Cross country and track coach Matt Benner said, “ Ben started preparing in track season with his extra drive and effort to improve. Ben was self-motivated and worked all throughout the summer because he worked so hard he was able to take rest days when he felt like his body needed it.” Ben has shown his motivation and talent through both track and cross country.
The State cross country meet showed both Griffin and Jay could hold their own in such a prestigious meet. Both runners hoped they would PR, but they still ran great races. When Ben was asked how he felt about being the first ever male runner at Cass to compete in State he responded with, “It’s an amazing feeling. It is an honor to represent past runners and the community when I am wearing the name “Cass” on my jersey.” There’s no doubt that being the first male runner to qualify would be a huge accomplishment. Ben said, he “tries to take things from all of his coaches, teammates, and competitors when he competes and in the practices he runs.” This technique must pay off because Jay is ever-improving. Ben hopes to continue running in college. When asked which he prefers, Ben said, “Track is definitely my favorite. I enjoy the variety of events that you can do and watch and the atmosphere when competing. Overall the vibes are just better, I think.”
The hope for both Ben Jay and Aftin Griffin is for them to repeat making it on to State for cross country next fall. Both have unlimited futures as long as they are motivated.
