Boys Recap
Heading into Saturday's race the last four 4A boys state championships had been won by either Severna Park (2012-14) or Dulaney (2015). There was no clear favorite heading into Saturday: the Severna Park had the advantage on paper with their fast times, but the young Dulaney boys had shown their resilience all year, entering Saturday undefeated.
Photo by Debbi Persinger
The two teams were so evenly matched it was impossible to tell who had won the race just by watching. When the dust had settled and the results were finalized, it was Dulaney who emerged victorious - by one point. It was one of the closest team battles in recent years between two of the top programs in Maryland, and a bit of a refreshing result after the two teams had dominated in their wins at the state meet over the past few years.
Even better news for fans of the sport? Incredibly, both teams bring back their entire top seven next season, setting up a true rematch at next year's state meet.
Richard Montgomery senior Rohann Asfaw capped off his season in the state of Maryland with yet another win, staying undefeated against Maryland competition on the year. BCC junior Adam Nakasaka hung with Asfaw through two-plus miles, even leading the race heading back towards the dip for the last time. But Asfaw - remembering how Dulaney's Eric Walz had beaten him last season - saved his final surge for the top of the hill, and put eight seconds between him and Nakasaka at the finish line.