Bobby Vartabedian, West Plains cross country, Jr.
On the course: Making a second appearance at the UIL Class 4A state cross country meet in only five years as a program, West Plains made major strides in more ways than one. The West Plains boys team finished eighth overall, which was their best finish in Round Rock. On top of that accolade, junior runner Bobby Vardabedian made school history becoming the first boys’ cross country athlete to medal at Old Settlers Park. Vardabedian ran a tremendous race clocking a time of 15:32.9 to earn an individual silver medal and a trip to the podium.
Coach Michael Barnett: “It was a very exciting weekend for us. We got better as the year went on and you could just feel it all starting to come together. We started coming on at district and then qualified at regional for state and I knew we had a good thing going. I love to watch Bobby compete. When he gets in a race he always has a chance. The district we’re in is very good and there is great competition across the state. He ascended and did what he was suppose to do, and I’m proud of him.”
Vartabedian: “It means a lot to go out there and do what we did as a team and then for myself to medal. We made it as a team when I was a freshman, but I think at that time we were more just excited to be there. This time around we all swung for the fences and wanted to leave everything we had out there. I had been training hard for this and I’m glad I was able to reach a goal and get on the podium.”
About Vartabedian
Favorite band or musician: The Killers
Favorite social media platform: Youtube
Favorite athlete: Jakob Ingebrigtsen
Bet you didn’t know: If he isn’t running, he is spending time on Minecraft.
Parents: Robert and Audrey Vardabedian
