Casey Clinger makes history
No. 1 ranked Casey Clinger became the first male athlete to win two individual titles at Nike Cross Nationals with his 15:28.4 victory. Sarah Baxter won back-to-back girls titles in 2011 and 2012.
The senior leader of the No. 1 ranked American Fork team was content to sit and make sure his teammates were in position as a large pack passed through the mile in 4:52. Nebraska state champion Seth Hirsch broke the race open just before two miles and a much smaller crew of four passed through in just over 10 minutes.
But shortly after two miles, the defending champion easily powered away to secure the win in 15:28.4. Sam Worley, who has gone undefeated through the Texas state meet, NXN South and Foot Locker South, showed off his wheels with a 15:35.1, runner-up finish. Brentwood, Tenn. junior Brodey Hasty placed third in 15:37.1, Hirsch was fourth in 15:37.9 and Texas sophomore Alex Maier was fifth in 15:38.8, the third best showing for a sophomore boy in NXN history.
Sam Worley talks about improving from 75th in 2015 to runner-up in 2016: