It’s really not an unusual practice these days, participating in track and field or cross country as a way of staying active or remaining in shape for a primary sport. Jeff Inman took up cross country and running to stay aerobically fit for his passion, wrestling.

But something amazing happened when he did. He was transformed into a wrestler-runner.

On Tuesday afternoon at Ephrata Middle School, Inman was all runner, all the time. The Annville-Cleona senior was the top local finisher at the annual Lancaster-Lebanon Cross Country Championships.

After running with the lead pack for most of the 3.1-mile race, Inman finished a solid 14th. The timer clocked Inman in 17:19, easily the best time he has ever posted on that particular course.

It was an especially satisfying performance for Inman, who also runs long distance for the Annville-Cleona boys’ track and field squad in the spring. He had battled a series of injuries throughout his final scholastic cross country campaign.

But where Inman really excels is on the mats. Two years ago as a sophomore, Inman qualified for the prestigious PIAA Wrestling Championships at Hershey’s Giant Center.

 – Jeff Falk