Sugar-Salem junior Darrel Dickson won his second Tiger-Grizz title, but has bigger goals

EASTERN IDAHO – If Sugar-Salem is to repeat as 4A boys cross country state champion, junior Darrel Dickson will likely be leading the way.

Dixon, who finished second at last year’s state championships, ran 16:15.5 Saturday to win his second straight Tiger-Grizz title.

The time was a season best and earned Dickson his third win in four races this season. It was also a big improvement from last season when he won in 16:41.6.

Only Ammon Britton of Century had a better time in the blustery conditions, clocking 16:05.5 to win the Varsity A race for 6A and 5A runners.

A win is a win, but Dickson noted his goal is get his time down under 16 minutes and eventually challenge his personal-best mark of 14:59.3, set at last year’s state championships.

As for the team competition, the Diggers finished first with 43 points, holding off 3A state champion Malad with 74 points.

Sugar-Salem teammate Adam Willis also ran a season-best time of 16:52.4 to finish second, while Henry Baker placed eighth, giving the Diggers three top-10 finishers.