On Saturday, Oct. 28, at Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, Drew Bosley, junior, won the WIAA Division 1 state cross country championship. Bosley became the first-ever individual cross country state champion for Homestead. This accomplishment was anticipated since sophomore year he finished runner-up at the 2016 championships to now-graduated Finn Gessner of Madison La Follette High School.

“The expectations of winning state helped me in the race because I was prepared to run tough, and I was prepared to beat anyone in the last mile,” Bosley said. “The state meet course is the hardest course in the state because of the hills and terrain, and it was also super cold and windy.” Despite these conditions, Bosley finished with a time of 15:39, a mere 39 seconds off of his personal record of 15:00.

Running since sixth grade, Bosley has been running competitively for about six years now. Under the coaching of his father Andy, Bosley is now training year-round, accumulating up to 250 miles each month.

“You know he’s a special talent when you train and run with him,” Joe Hadcock, senior and teammate, said. “I wasn’t surprised when he won state, and it will be interesting to see how he does at nationals.”

Following the state meet, Bosley has two regional meets and two national meets. Bosley is currently ranked 41 in the nation on Athletic.net, putting himself in a good position for regionals and offering insight on his potential for next year. 

Looking ahead, Bosley has high hopes for his senior year. “My goal for next year in cross country is to run a PR of 14:30, defend my state cross country title and win an individual national championship title.”