Through the 1980’s and early 90’s, Elder Cross Country was the team to beat. During this decade, the Panthers were at their best. From 1982-1991, Elder would place in state every year! In the best 10 years of the program, they would place: first, fifth, second, fifth, first, second, first, first, eleventh, and second. Although they could’ve had a three peat by winning the 1987 State Championship instead of losing by one point, it is still the most impressive stat line of state placing in the 90 years the team has been roaming the streets of West Price Hill.

Hall of Fame Coach Steve Spencer led Elder Cross Country for 43 years (1975-2018). From his 43 years of dominance, 43 different teams, and hundreds of runners, one team stood out from the rest. The 1988-1989 team had what some called the “Perfect Season”. The Panthers coming back after a devastating second place finish by one point, look to again be crowned King of Ohio.

With top runners such as Mike Brubaker, Terry McLean, and Joe Sunderman returning, the bar was set high for The Purple Pack. In the preseason, Elder was ranked number one, and they lived up to the name. Elder went 170-0 in scoring. As the Panthers went undefeated in the regular season, the post season began.

After coming in first in every single race, nothing changed as they swept through the district and regional meets. Would they fall again in the state meet back-to-back years? After the season they’ve been having? No way!

Elder would go on and win the 1988 State Championship with a score of 70 points! The top five runners for the Panthers were Terry McLean, Jeremy Keller, Don Wash, Mike Brubaker, and Rich Witterstaetter, giving Elder their fifth Cross Country State Championship.

To cap off this perfect season, Elder was named Co-National Champions! The other Co-National Champion was Mede from the state of Washington. Leaving many to wonder, who would win in a dual meet and be named the real National Champions?

I asked one of the senior captains of the ‘88-’89 team, Mike Brubaker, about his journey through the greatest run in Elder Cross Country history. He responded, “We didn’t know how big of a deal it was at the moment. Years before I ran, Elder was great at running. We just thought Elder competed for state every year, not knowing the pressure we had.”

Will Elder Cross Country ever get another National Championship team? Will the ’88-’89 team record get broken anytime soon? Only time will tell in West Price Hill.