Ross Gage, Saxony Lutheran track and field

After opening the Class 1 boys state track meet on Friday with a win in the 3,200-meter relay, Saxony Lutheran's first test on Saturday was the 1,600-meter run.

Ross Gage ran away from the pack on the last lap to claim first place. His finish, according to coach Larry Cleair, set the tone for what was to become a big day for the Crusaders.

"He just ran it smart," Cleair said, "and at the end of the race, he just took command."

Gage tried a similar move to push the pace in the 800 meters and settled for second place, which provided valuable points as Saxony Lutheran won its first state title by a three-point margin over Worth County.

"The kids set themselves up to succeed," said Cleair, noting the many efforts by the five athletes that kept Saxony from slipping into a second-place finish for the third straight year. "They just wouldn't allow it."

In addition to winning the 1,600, finishing second in the 800 and being a part of the winning 3,200 relay, Gage also ran a leg of the winning 1,600 relay which clinched the team championship in style by winning the meet's final event.

Gage, a junior, also sets the tone with his work ethic and demeanor.

"Ross is probably one of the hardest-working athletes I've had in my 30 years of coaching. Everything is a challenge to him, and he wants to not only succeed but to blow the top out of it.

"He's a dedicated athlete and just a really good kid. He treats everyone with respect."