TROY – Covington junior Asher Long is headed back to state after winning the Division III Regional Cross Country Meet in Troy on Saturday. Long will compete at the state cross country meet next Saturday at Fortress Obetz.

Long’s winning time on Saturday of 16:05.40 was 20 seconds faster than the next finisher, Caleb Sultan of Cedarville (16:25.60) – an impressive performance by the Buccaneer runner.

Covington finished sixth as a team with 165 points. Joining Long in earning team point were Calub Hembree (44th – 18:07.50), Beck Wilson (51st – 18:14.10), Tanner Palsgrove (56th – 18:26.10), and Caleb Ryman (57th – 18:26.80). Preston King and Mic Barhorst also competed for the Buccs.

In the girl’s race, sophomore Elyza Long and junior Johanna Welborn competed for Covington. Long, who was looking for a return trip to state, came up short by finishing 30th with a time of 21:08.20. Elyza had been producing times under 20 minutes all season – which would have placed her in the top ten – but unfortunately she has been suffering from breathing issues the past couple of weeks. Welborn finished 38th with a time of 21:53.30.