Barker harriers place 2nd at state meet

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Sergio Cruz, shown here in route to a win at the recent N-O All-League meet, led Barker to a second place finish at the state Class D cross-country meet this morning earning All-State honors.

In a matchup of perennial rivals, Beaver River of Section III edged out Section VI champion Barker for top honors at the state Class D championship race this morning at SUNY Canton.

Beaver River garnered a total of 74 points to win the state title as Barker placed second with 80 points just edging out third place finisher Norwood-Norfolk of Section X with 81 points.

It marked the seventh straight year that Barker has finished in the top three at the state meet. The Raiders won the title in 2009 and 2011, finished second in 2008, 2010, 2012 and third in 2013.

Sergio Cruz led Barker with a 16th place finish to earn All-State honors.

The Raiders also has Casey Webb place 30th, Doug Bachman 39th, Dustin Walters 43rd, Jack Hopkins 56th, Tanner Gregiore 70th and Christopher Sweeney 73rd.

“It’s a pretty awesome accomplishment,” said Barker Caoch Paul DerSarkissian of his Raiders runner-up finish. “We lost a close one to a great Beaver River team. Our kids ran with their hearts and I’m very proud of them. Six of our seven runners are seniors so it’s been an awesome ride.”

Holley senior Martin Beadle finished 53rd in the Class C race.

In the girls Class C state championship race, Albion’s Madyson Coville placed 51st.

Akron’s Margo Henley was the top Niagara-Orleans League finisher in 30th place as Kim Goerss of Newfane was 40th.