This past Saturday the cross country teams made their way to beautiful Fort St. Clair park in Eaton Ohio. The air was crisp, the leaves were changing and our athletes were primed for some great performances.

The day began with the varsity men's race at 9:15, and what a race it was. Our guys came out to compete, and absolutely crushed it. There were so many new PR's and season best times that it was hard to believe. The team was led by senior Oliver Crosthwaite who ran a season best time of 17:39.1 and earned himself second team all SWBL honors. Joining him with second team honors were seniors Tre'son Henley (18:08 - new PR) and Daniel Osborne (18:13). Finishing right on Daniels heels was junior Donovan Schuyler with a new PR time of 18:17. Also coming away with new PR's were Kellen Dunn (19:27), Kian Gatliff (20:09), Austin Cook (21:29), and Milo Nau (23:44). Together their times earned the men's team a 3rd place SWBL finish just behind Ross, and Bellbrook, our best finish since 2023 when the boys team was Southwest division champions.

The ladies race began at 9:45 and Laila Black got off to a quick start, passing the first mile marker in 5 minutes and 59 seconds. Throughout the rest of the rolling course Laila maintained her speed to come away with a 4th place finish and earn first team all SWBL honors with a time of 20:01.3. Finishing second for our team and 10th overall to earn second team all SWBL honors was Sienna Finton with a time of 20:49. Gigi Perkins (21:49) and Kydee Shults (21:51) finished 17th and 18th respectively and helped contribute to the team finishing 3rd overall. In addition to these ladies Meryn Berry also had her best race of the season posting a time of 25:29, which was a new PR by over 40 seconds.

The girls team finish of 3rd place, was the highest finish for our ladies team since 2008. That combined with the boys 3rd place finish was our highest combined finish since 2008 as well, when both teams also placed 3rd. The teams will now set their sights on the OHSAA District meet this coming Saturday at Cedarville University. The Men are hoping to continue their strong run of qualifying for regionals in 3 out of the past five seasons. While the Ladies look to qualify to regionals for the first time since the late 90's. It is going to be another perfect day for racing, so come out and cheer them on. The girls race begins at 10:00 am followed by the boys at 10:45 on the Elvin R. King Cross Country Course at Cedarville University. Lets go Wildcats!