When fellow senior Tommy Laarman, the fifth member of the Lancers' 2015 State cross country state champions, came down with a season-ending injury, it looked like Lafayette's chances for a three-peat in the 4x800 were lost.
"I didn't think we had much of a chance," admitted Sean O'Connor, Lafayette's decorated head cross country coach.
"We were sending one sophomore and two juniors out to run the 4x800 with Austin - three guys who had never run a race at the State track meet in their lives."
"But you know, we had Austin running that anchor leg," said O'Connor, with his voice conveying growing confidence. "And I wasn't ready to count us out of any race where Austin has a chance to chase some people down. Man, does he like to chase people down!"
Hindman received the baton from junior Nassim Oufattole in fifth place. A mad rush of different colored singlets converged and then exploded from the exchange zone as Hindman eyed the backs of his competition. Jon Dasal of Nixa was out front and had a good three- or four-second lead on Lafayette.
"I wanted to win the 'Quad Crown' and we need to win the 4x800 to accomplish that," said Hindman. "I also knew gold medals were on the line for my three teammates. I was ready when Nassim gave me the baton. I just told myself, 'Let's go.'"
Hindman quickly moved up into the third spot with a lap to go. With 300 meters left in the race, Hindman hit that gear that only the great runners have in their transmission. He opened a 15-meter gap on Dasal and the race looked over. Except it was not.
What makes winning races in the State meet so remarkable is that just about everyone there in shorts and spikes is accustomed to winning. You learn early on that just because you pass someone in a State race, they are not always compliant to remaining passed.
Dasal bided his time as he watched Hindman take the curve on the home stretch at a gallop. From a place in his gut that does not exist for most humans, Dasal summoned the will to attempt to chase down the greatest distance runner in Missouri High School history. And he darn near did it.
The two battled the rigor mortis that tore at their limbs. Lactic acid flowed into their burning muscle tissues. Dasal pounded alongside Hindman on the right as they shared lane one the last 50 meters. A quick glance to his right by Hindman told him Dasal's challenge was real.