The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Cross Country Championships are set for Saturday, Nov. 2, at Fortress Obetz in Columbus, where the top high school runners from around Ohio will compete. Athletes and teams from the Jordan Miller News (JMN) coverage area have impressive representation, with several standout performances throughout the season, including the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) titles claimed by both Minerva’s boys and girls teams. Here’s a preview of what to expect from these runners:
Division I Boys (2:00 p.m.)
Jackson High School brings a strong lineup with Noah Gooding, Eli Ilg, Sean McNulty, Cayden McClure, Isaac Reash, Lucas Hoffman, and Austin Hoffman. Joining them from the JMN area are Hoover’s Zavier Medina, GlenOak’s Marcus Sommers, Ryan Bridenthal, Casey Harbour, Jacob Riggle, and Andrew Harold, as well as New Philadelphia’s Elias Adelman and Wyatt Lendon.
Division I Girls (2:45 p.m.)
One of the top runners to watch is Lake High School’s Daniela Scheffler, the regional champion, who will be competing for a high placement. Joining her are Massillon Jackson’s Olivia May, Hoover’s Addison Miller, Dover’s Sydney Stevenson, and GlenOak’s Sydney Long, Shahd Masud, and Madison Stirm.
Division II Boys (Noon)
In Division II, Fairless is represented by Jordan Tormasi, Brice Fuller, Andrew Hearn, Bradlee Keehn, Wade Lang, and Rowan Askren. EBC champion Ricky Sibila II of Carrollton will be racing to continue his successful season, and Minerva’s full team, featuring Grasyn Rettig, Rowen Hoffee, Jacob Yoder, Cassidy Ryan, Kaden Knappenberger, Tyson Fetty, and Fox Johnson, is poised for a strong performance.
Division II Girls (12:45 p.m.)
Defending state champions Minerva will be racing to uphold their title, led by Makenzie Beavers, Katie Ison, Tateum Richard, Hannah Ison, Gabby Lupshu, Kayla Crissman, and Annabelle Crissman. Additional competitors include Carrollton’s Kylie Ujcich and West Branch’s Clarice Martin. Marlington’s Irelyn Johnson is also set to compete at the cross-country championships.
Division III Boys (10:00 a.m.)
Tuscarawas Central Catholic’s Noah Lucas and Ridgewood’s Trent Van Meter represent the JMN area in Division III, both looking to make an impact on the state stage.
Division III Girls (10:45 a.m.)
For the Division III girls, Tuscarawas Valley sends a strong team with Trista Lieser, Hayden Huffman, Sami Ward, Josie Eick, Natalie Rennicker, Maleah Dillon, and Sara Whitlach. Claymont’s Kali Wallace and Tuscarawas Central Catholic’s Elena Price will also compete. Sandy Valley’s Casey Russell will be in attendance at state after claiming the regional championship at Pickerington North. Sandy Valley’s Evelyn Pfeffer also qualified for state.
