Warren East senior Jacob England came up short of repeating as the Class 2A boys’ state cross-country champion but still put together a third-place performance in his final run.

England, who won the state meet as a junior in 16:05.08 last year, didn’t have the kick at the end he wanted at the state meet Saturday at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

“I was just shot,” England said. “I didn’t have it there. I just kept expecting something to come and click and get a nice spurt in my legs and it just didn’t come.”

England finished 16 seconds behind the winner. Teammate Colton Bullington placed fifth to help the Warren East boys’ team claim second place in Class 2A.

The team runner-up finish made for a slightly disappointing day individually.

“I was really excited going into the race,” England said. “The race didn’t necessarily turn out like I wanted. I had a really great season and I’m blessed with everything running has done for me.”{&end}