Area runners get an early start
HEBRON — More than 2,000 high school cross country runners got off to an early start Saturday.
Eight-time Northeastern Buckeye Conference Louisville and Poland were among the boys teams participating in the OHSAA Preseason Cross Country Invitational.
Lakota East senior Dustin Horter, the defending Division I state cross country champion, had the top time of the day in 15 minutes, 18.2 seconds over the 3.1-mile course at National Trail Raceway — the site of the state meet on Nov. 4.
The Division II boys race drew 176 runners with Louisville’s Logan Ison finishing 21st (17:43.6). Poland’s Sam Dwyer was 23rd (17:45.9), Poland’s Geno Gallo was 27th (17:57.0), Louisville’s Scott Gronow was 29th (17:59.4), Louisville’s Sebastian Hendricks was 37th (18:17.3) and Poland’s Mason Matiste was 39th (18:21.5).
The Maplewood boys and girls won team titles in the open divisions.
Saturday’s races included:
¯ Division I boys (268 runners) won by Lakota East’s Dustin Horter (15:18.2).
¯ Division I and II open boys (195 runners) won by Oak Hill’s James Schmidt (17:37.8).
¯ Division II boys (176 runners) won by Lexington’s Ryan Johnston (15:55.5).
¯ Division II and III boys (222 runners) won by Fairview Park Fairview’s Conner Kilbane (17:10.6).
¯ Open boys (195 runners) won by Mapleton’s Drew Roberts (16:42.3).
¯ Division II and II 2.25-mile boys (97 runners) won by Little Miami’s Dawson Paul (12:06.0).
¯ Division I (Section A) girls (243 runners) won by Olentangy Liberty’s Gracie Sprankle (18:26.9).
¯ Division I and II open girls (201 runners) won by Toledo St. Ursula Academy’s Jenna Beakas (21:02.3).
¯ Division II and III girls (194 runners) won by Beachwood’s Leah Rter (17:50.5).
¯ Open girls (100 runners) won by Bradford’s Karmen Knepp (20:48.7).
¯ Division II and III 2.25-mile girls (131 runners) won by OlentangY Liberty’s Audrey Piero (14:23.3).