A multitude (does 988 make up a multitude?) of the best cross country athletes jog and stroll the 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet in Wisconsin Rapids on a mild, overcast, fall morning.  The sandy course remains soft and forgiving after recent rains.  Should be a good day for a race.

Twelve noon, the gun fires, and 152 boys from Division-3 schools pound down the straightaway.  At 400 meters the course veers to the right and many sprint to clear the turn before the mass of runners clogs-up the path.  Others drift to the outside to be free of interference.  O...