Following up a regional round berth last year, sophomore cross country runner Eli Mugambi competed in the state meet for cross country on Nov. 1. Mugambi competed in the five kilometer race at the state meet.

“I wanted to [play] football for a while, but my dad said no because he didn’t want me to get any injuries,” Mugambi said. “The only other option was cross country.”

The top 10 runners in each event in the region round advanced to the state round; Mugambi received third place. He then placed 38th in his event at the state meet.

“I think Eli has gotten much more focused and mature in his sophomore year,” Cross Country Coach Benjamin Schulz said. “[He] has such a positive attitude and will do whatever you tell him to do. He never complains about hard workouts and gives his absolute best everyday.”

Mugambi shifted his focus this season to the state meet after placing 31st at the region meet last year. He’s done more recovery treatments such as ice baths and changed his diet this year to re-energize his body more effectively.

“Ever since I didn’t make it last year, the goal has been from the jump to go to state,” Mugambi said. “It hasn’t even been a question.”

Mugambi ran his five kilometer race in 15 minutes and 26 seconds at the region meet and 15 minutes and 56 seconds at the state meet.

“I enjoyed going to the state meet and seeing the best runners and teams compete,” Schulz said. “It is the culmination of a full season of hard work for all the runners. I look forward to continuing to create an all-in atmosphere at AHS Cross Country and would love to see both the boys and girls teams make it to state together for the first time in school history.”

Mugambi credits his success to trying to not give himself any room for doubt this year.

“I feel like I did the best that I could,” Mugambi said. “I know there will be other years I’ll have an opportunity to go to state, so I just wanted to see how long I can hang with the top guys in the state. It was just a wild moment to realize I made it that far.”