COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa -- An Iowa high school runner got disqualified, instead of getting a win, after he finished first but was disqualified for an act of kindness.
He crossed the finish line first at the district cross-country championship, bringing reality to his dream of being Davis County High School's first ever cross country district champion.
Then, Zach Hougland helped another runner.
Hougland’s coach says the other runner was on the ground unconscious. Without a second thought, Hougland returned to the course and helped him get closer to the finish line.
"I see this kid, he's like dying and what not, and he's about ready to fall," Hougland told WHO-TV.
However, Iowa state athletic rules say no runner can help or receive aid from another runner, so they were both disqualified.
“I didn't want anyone to see me break down because I couldn't take it, all that work for nothing. But If I could do it all again I wouldn't change a thing because I did what I thought was right," a heartbroken Hougland told WHO-TV.
The rest of Zach’s team scored well enough to finish overall and qualified for state. That means Zach will still be able to compete in their meet Saturday, October 31.
