October 15, 2008
CROSS COUNTRY: Wilson's Hanes has learned from the best, battled through adversity
By Nate Beutel
WILSON — It might sound silly to some, but while Kevin Hanes was chasing his teammates the past three years he was getting better. And more important, the Wilson sophomore was learning what it takes to be one of the elite runners in Western New York. After spending seventh grade unbeaten on the modified, Hanes moved right up to the varsity behind eventual state champion Tom Reubens and multiple-time state competitor Don Truesdell. It was there that he picked up some of the most important lessons one can learn as a runner. “They taught me everything from hard work to form to small details that will help drop time,” Hanes said. “I learned so much from them.” Veteran coach Brett Sippel agreed. “He had something pretty good role models to learn from,” the coach added. “He learned the right way to train and conduct himself.” During Hanes’ eighth-grade season while in the No. 3 spot, the Lakemen finished fourth in the state in Class C. Then, as a freshman, Hanes remained in the third spot in what he termed a “tough” season. Later that school year during track, things would get a whole lot tougher for Hanes. Hanes’ father, also Kevin, passed away in June after a battle with cancer. The tragedy happened just prior to the Section VI championships, forcing the younger Hanes to withdraw. While there was a period of grieving, there was also a period of escape which Hanes could only reach when running. “I wasn’t sitting around and thinking about all that was going on,” Hanes explained. As July arrived, Hanes began to pick up his training regimen thanks in large part to the support of his teammates, especially running mate Mike Reubens. “The group he’s with, boys and girls, is very close,” Sippel said. “Spending time with that group, running and even having dinners or just swimming in his backyard was good for him. It allowed him to take his mind off things and get back into the swing of things.” By the time August rolled around, Hanes was back in full force and ready to continue on his path toward continuing the tradition that others like Dennis Pollow, Reubens, Truesdell and Tony Kaminska set before him. “He’s got something to shoot for,” Sippel said. “He saw how well those guys did before him and I think he feels like he can get the team back to the state level. I also think that if he continues on this path, he could contend for an individual state title in the next couple years.”
For now, though, Hanes is focused on staying ahead of the competition in the Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class C. “I think it’s going to be me, Vince Donner from Roy-Hart and a Cliff Nielson of Gowanda,” Hanes said of the sectional meet. “I’m planning on taking off quite a bit of time by the time sectionals come around, though. It’s all going to come down to that final kick.”
KEVIN HANES • SPORT: Boys Cross Country • GRADE: Sophomore • POSITION: No. 1 runner • STORY: Those before him and family pains have made him better • COACH’S QUOTE: “He could contend for an individual state title in the next couple years.”
Contact reporter Nate Beutel
at 282-2311, ext. 2262.