ONA -- Peter Basdekis combined the power of positive thinking with fast legs and a strong hunger.

The result was a WVSSAC Class A boys individual state cross country championship for Basdekis and a team title for Charleston Catholic. The crown is the first for the Irish.

Basdekis, who crossed the finish line in 16:54.78, said he ignored the pressure of being ranked No. 1 by wvrun.com .

"I only took the positive out of it," Basdekis said. "I didn't let the negative, the pressure, weigh down on me at all. I just knew I had a good chance going into it and I raced hungry the whole time. Knowing I was first, ranked first, really doesn't mean anything to me."

Basdekis said his coach, Hilton Ingraham, told him to keep his head up and if he was in first place not to let up. Ingraham could be

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