CAPTION: Inman cross country runners Tyler Martiski (left) and Riley Roots placed sixth and 30th at the Kansas Class 2A state cross country meet Saturday. CREDIT LILY HEFLIN PHOTOGRAPHY
By John Mesh
The cross country program at Inman High School started in 2014.
During that time, there’s been only one year Inman has not had a state qualifier. That was 2020 because of the coronavirus/COVID 19 pandemic.
During the 2024 Class 2A state cross country meet Saturday at the Wamego Country Club, Inman’s Tyler Martisko finished the race in sixth place with a time of 17:28.6 — enough to garner a state medal.
Riley Roots finished 30th with a time of 18:14.92. There were 111 competitors in the race.
“Tyler Martisko and Riley Roots performed very well considering the rainy weather and muddy, sloppy course,” said Inman cross country coach Jay Parsons. “Tyler made his third consecutive trip to state while Riley was making his inaugural trip to state.”
“The race went well — I am very happy with how well I did,” said Martoisko, who also played football this fall. “It’s a nice reminder that hard work pays off. This is the most fun I’ve had running a race.”
“I had a goal of making state and I accomplished it,” Roots said. “I am thankful for having the chance to finally run with Tyler at state. I am making plans for a return trip next season.”
“The season overall has been great, both Riley and I have seen a log of success,” Martisko said.
Roots said he had many goals going into this season such as running 400 miles over the summer, making 426 miles. He had a goal of breaking 17 minutes, which he did along with finishing in the top three at regional.
“I am most thankful for being able to represent my school and community at the highest level,” Roots said. “I am thankful that God gave him the ability to run and be good at it.”
During the past few years, Inman hasn’t had a team at the state meet, but other than the one time you could always find at least one runner representing Inman High School.
“It is a tough sport and to see young ladies and men show up every day and put in the effort, makes me look forward to working with them everyday,” Parsons said. “Congratulations to Tyler Martisko and Riley Roots on making it to the state meet.
“I would also like to thank the other runners who were a part of this season (Addison Wedel, Hunter Schrader, and Abigail Siemens). You are a great bunch, and I enjoyed getting to know you and work with you.”