For Jordan-Elbridge runner Cody Stanton, it's amazing what a year can do.

The cross country standout went from being a state qualifier last year to a state title contender this season. Stanton's fifth-place finish at the NYSPHSAA Cross Country Championships on Saturday tied him for the best finish in school history.

“I went from 41st in states last year to fifth this year,” Stanton said. “That was a really big jump for me to make.”

Jordan-Elbridge coach Roger Roman wasn't surprised with the junior's placement.

“I expected him to make the state team again,” Roman said. “He was ranked fourth or fifth going into it so I had hoped he would finish in the top five.”

Roman has coached Stanton for the past five years, from the modified level to when he started showing his potential during his freshman season.

“About halfway through his freshman year he really started to show promise,” Roman said. “I think that he just started to get serious about running instead of the social aspect of cross country. He really seemed to start liking the running part.”

“I figured if I am running, I might as well do my best at it,” Stanton added. “I got really serious about it and figured that the harder I worked the better I would do.”

During the state championship race, Stanton said he was a little uneasy as he noticed his left shoe untied, but it didn't slow him down as he stayed near the front of the pack.

“It felt pretty cool to be running up to the front with the lead guys,” Stanton said. “After that finish I want to just keep pushing harder and try to do even better next year.”

Stanton trains all year, running indoor and outdoor track, and even pushes his coach to add more mileage to his practices.

“He is an outstanding kid to coach,” Roman said. “He is an undeniable star, a real gifted kid. He makes my job easy, the more distance I give him the happier he is. He is always asking for more mileage.”

“I feel like the more distance you run the more strength and stamina you build,” Stanton added. “It helps your body cope better during the race. I get really serious about my running. I think that anybody can do anything if they work hard at it and put their mind to it so that is what I have decided to do with running.”