Noecker now owns State 3,200-meter record
OMAHA — Carson Noecker turned some heads enroute to inking his name in the state record books last week.
The Cedar Catholic sophomore got out front, then built a huge lead as he literally ran away with the Class C State title in the 3,200-meter run.
The two-time defending State Cross Country champion turned in the best time of any two-miler in the state to eclipse the 39 year-old state record for the race.
Noecker also earned a silver medal in the 1,600-meter run.
His efforts helped the Cedar Catholic boys earn a seventh-place finish at the Class C state meet at the Omaha Burke Stadium.
Cedar led the entire field after the first day of competition, but slipped to seventh on Saturday.
“I really thought that Carson’s 3200 race was the highlight of the weekend for us,” Cedar Catholic Track Coach Chad Cattau said. “I have never experienced one of our athletes setting a state record, so to be a part of that was an unreal experience. I personally had chills the entire last lap just knowing he had a real opportunity to set the record. It is something that I will never forget.
Noecker also set the school record in the 1,600-meter run, even though he finished in second place in that event.
Coach Cattau was happy to see his athletes perform so well at the State Meet.
“I was so excited for all of our kids that got the opportunity to compete in the state meet,” Cattau said. “We had a lot of personal bests for our kids and that was what made the weekend a lot of fun. Whether the kids medaled or not, I know they had a great experience and they got the chance to compare themselves to the best in the state.
Noecker is only a sophomore, but after two state cross country titles and the 3,200-meter state record, he has garnered quite a reputation as being one of the best runners in the State.
Coaches say he never lets that go to his head, though. He always makes sure people know he credits all of his success to his faith in God.
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