By Brent Frankenhoff

Amherst High School Senior Max Voss toppled numerous cross-country records this season, ending with a runner-up (second place) finish October 28 at State in Division 2 with a time of 16:00.2, the highest State finish ever for any Amherst boy as well as the fastest time by more than 40 seconds. That earlier record of 16:41 was set 25 years ago at the 1998 State meet.

According to Cross Country Head Coach Daniel Quade, Voss’ individual results helped make his team “one of the fastest boys’ cross-country teams in recent history, placing second in the Conference by only one point and winning first place at four meets this season.”

Quade added, “Max achieved his goals through miles and miles of hard training, much of which he methodically planned himself during multiple off-seasons.”

That work gained Voss first-place finishes at six of 11 meets during the season as well as a win at the Division 2 Sectional meet in New London October 21 with a time of 15:50.8, which broke the school record for the fourth time this season. Quade said that Voss first broke the previous school record of 16:37.5 on September 8.

“After coaching for 19 years, Max is one of the most impressive athletes I’ve worked with as far as his performance goes; however, I am equally if not more proud of the leader he has become,” Quade said. “He has supported and inspired his teammates and fortified our team culture in a multitude of ways this season.”

In addition to his athletic achievements, Voss is also a top-performing student, earning highest honors on the Amherst High School Honor Roll for the first quarter of this school year.

Max Voss (center, in Amherst Falcon blue) prepares to run against a field of fellow competitors.

Max Voss

Max Voss took the first place position on the podium at the Sectional Cross Country meet October 21.