Hougland deserves our recognition, too

It?s All-GTNS time and that means that we as editors need to take a full-season?s worth of times, stats, results, wins, losses and moments and condense them into one-page?s worth of the best in the triangle. However, there was one moment that happened here in the area that may transcend a lot of this and should receive one more moment of recognition before the 2015 season fades to dust.

At the state-qualifying cross-country meet in Columbus, Davis County?s Zach Hougland finished in first place. We didn?t cover that because Davis County isn?t in any of our coverage areas. However, when Mediapolis? Garret Hinson?s legs and back started to give out on him and he collapsed 150 meters before the finish line, the top-finisher sprang into action.

He ran back onto the course, helped his competition to their feet and guided him to the finish line. This single moment did not determine a state qualifier, nor did it hold anyone back, but Hougland was disqualified for his actions, as was Hinson for being helped. Luckily for Zach, his team finished in the top-3 and he had the opportunity to run at Fort Dodge anyway.

It?s very likely that Hougland knew he would be disqualified for his actions and even if he didn?t, he wouldn?t act differently if it happened again in his presence. His act should have been commended instead of condemned, but rules are rules for a reason.

For example, if a runner does collapse, there are officials who are supposed to attend to it and figure out the best course of action medically. In the event that there?s an injury, there are times where it?s best not to move someone in distress out of risk of causing more harm than good. Where were they when this happened? Hinson had enough time to visibly stagger and struggle, collapse, and then crawl on all fours on the ground toward the finish line before Hougland felt the need to act.

It?s disappointing that Hougland, who was ranked No. 7 in class 2A, ended up stripped of his title for showing good sportsmanship.

While we can?t name you to the All-GTNS team, Zach Hougland, we in the Golden Triangle, like many others across the nation who heard your story, salute you for your act and you?re a champion in our book.