At the OHSAA D2 Southwest District cross country meet held at Cedarville University, Bellefontaine’s sophomore Grace Brown emerged as the champion, winning the D2 District Title and securing a spot in the upcoming Regional Championships. Brown’s remarkable performance marked a historic achievement as she claimed the first girls’ individual district title for Bellefontaine in 29 years, the last being won by Katy Saul in 1995. The Chieftain girls finished 13th out of 28 competing teams, with Brown clocking in at 18:41.34. Kailyn Newman followed in 34th place with a time of 21:30.2, narrowly missing a Regional berth by just two positions. Coach Wilson praised the team’s efforts, stating, “It’s been a great year with the girls. I had exceptional leadership from seniors Brianne, Claire, and Kailyn. They leave big shoes to fill. Grace is on a tear right now, winning her last three races. It’s exciting to see her confidence build as the season progresses.” Brown will next compete in the OHSAA D2 Regional race at Troy on October 26 at 12:45 PM.
The boys’ team from Bellefontaine also showcased their strength, finishing 4th out of 30 schools and earning their third consecutive district runner-up trophy. Hayden Maus led the boys, securing 3rd place with a time of 15:59. Other key finishes included Jake Moreland in 20th (16:59) and Oliver Grandstaff in 35th (17:33), as the team prepares for the regional meet in Troy.
The Raider boys’ team concluded their season with a 19th-place finish. Junior Tyler Shoopman was the top finisher for the Raiders, placing 69th with a time of 18:50. He was followed by Holden Zehner (99th, 19:40) and Maxwell Troth (111th, 20:04).
The Lady Raider cross country team finished 16th among 22 teams. Nora Elliott led her team with a 66th place finish, completing the course in 22:47. Completing the scoring were Hadley Boysel (71st, 22:59), Luck Wenger (73rd, 23:13), Scarlett Elliott (77th, 23:22), Gwendolyn Smith (78th, 23:24), Molly Siefring (80th, 23:27), and Estella Wenger (104th, 24:46). The team ends their season as CBC Conference Mad River Division runner-up. Coach Wilson noted, “We say goodbye to seniors Nora Elliott, Estella Wenger, and Shelby Watkins. Thank you for your leadership. We look forward to bringing back a group of 16 athletes to meet the challenges next year.” The Regional Championship meet will be held at Troy Hobart Arena on Saturday, October 26, with the girls’ Division II race taking place at 12:45 PM.
West Liberty-Salem made headlines by winning the D2 District title, marking the program’s first D2 championship and their 18th district title overall. The team ranked #4 in the OATCCC D2 State Poll, was led by junior Caleb Larson, who finished 2nd with a personal best of 15:54.3. Asher Knox (5th, 16:11.8) and Dylan King (6th, 16:29.6) also had strong performances. Coach Louden expressed pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “Winning the D2 District Championship against a talented field is a testament to the program’s dedication and work ethic. This victory marks the program’s 18th District title and third in a row, as well as its 15th consecutive trip to the Troy Regional meet. This also marks a historic moment as this is the program’s first-ever D2 District title! It was a special day to be a member of the Big Orange family as both the girls and the boys were able to bring home District titles!”
Meanwhile, the West Liberty-Salem girls’ team continued their dominance by winning their 8th consecutive Division 3 District Championship. Malia Miller finished 3rd (19:04.37), followed closely by Addi Wallen (8th, 20:05.55) and Gwen McCollough (10th, 20:18.97). Coach Lauck noted, “These girls continue to achieve and carry on the Big Orange tradition of success. Although this was not our best team race, we were able to fight and bring home a district title. I am very proud of Mariska, Bella, and Ivy. All three set personal records.” He added, “Our region only qualifies three teams to state. Next Saturday’s race will showcase #3 ranked Summit, #4 Madeira, #5 WL-S, and #6 Ft. Loramie. I am confident in the girls and the training plan.”
Indian Lake’s cross country team had notable performances as well, with Reagan Rash qualifying for Regionals by finishing 9th with a time of 20:20. Evie Wagner placed 56th (22:21), Alicia Brielmaier placed 59th (22:33 PR), Kayleigh Taylor placed 102nd (24:39), and Haley Metzger placed 119th (26:06). The team placed 15th with 336 points, while the boys’ team finished 22nd out of 25 schools, with Bryan Mohler leading the Lakers in 109th (19:59).
As the teams gear up for the Regional Championships at Troy, excitement and anticipation are high as they aim to build on their district successes.
