The top high school cross country runners across Ohio will meet this Saturday at Fortress Obetz in Columbus to compete in the OHSAA State Cross Country Championships. The final meet of the Ohio high school cross country season is sure to provide some fireworks. MileSplit Ohio's Northeast Ohio Editor Nate Shively highlights some of the Northeast Ohio runners to watch for at this year's state championships.
Division 1 Preview
Last year's runner-up Nathan Moore of Uniontown Lake looks to complete an impressive undefeated senior campaign with a win on Saturday. Moore ran 15:19 at last year's state meet, finishing behind Pickerington North's Matt Duvall. He cruised for wins in his District and Regional Tournaments. With a PB of 14:51 for the season, Moore trails St. Xavier's Nathan Mountain, who ran 14:46 earlier this season, for the fastest time of the season in Ohio. In addition to Mountain, Connor Ackley of Hilliard Davidson also dipped under the 15 minute mark this season and will run for the individual title this Saturday. Other top performers from Northeast Ohio that will look to battle for All-Ohio spots include Tommy Rice, Bobby Ganser and Frank Bero.
For the team battle in Division 1, last year's winners St. Xavier look strong yet again returning four of their top five finishers from last year's state meet. Some teams to watch for from the Northeast Ohio Region include Hudson, Kenston and St. Ignatius. Hudson heads into Saturday as Regional champions beating both Kenston and St. Ignatius at Boardman High School.
Northeast Ohio will be strongly represented in the girls Division 1 competition as well. The Hudson girls team won their regional race and will look to improve upon their 10th place finish at last year's state meet. Kenston and Shaker Heights both have strong squads that put together great performances in their Regionals race and will be ones to watch on Saturday. Northeast Ohio girls that will look to make noise in the race for All-Ohio are Savannah Dennison, Olivia Gang, Julia Isham, Jayla Atkinson and Alex Bauer.