While the sport of running may be seen by most on the outside as an individual-focused sport, or a free-for-all, there always has been that aspect of comradery that defines cross-country as a team sport, as athletes share the same moments of blood, sweat, and tears with their teammates in hopes of being the best out there.
Throughout the fall, there have been many highlight performances from the team side, whether during the main season or post season competitions. With that being said, see below for the contenders. While there may have some overlooked, these are the one's that stuck out.
Boys and Girls are combined this week.
Hilliard Davidson (Girls) - Runner-up finish at 'Peoria Notre Dame Richard Spring Invite' where they finished ahead of, at the time, ranked out-of-state teams Downers Grove (North) and Barrington.
Lancaster (Girls) - 7th place finish at Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional after becoming team state champions at the OHSAA Division 1 State Championship.
Little Miami (Boys) - 3rd place finish at the OHSAA Division 1 State Championship, first year bringing a full team along with this being the first cross-country state championship appearance for the lineup.
Beavercreek (Boys and Girls) - Winners of the Wingfoot Cup at Wingfoot XC Classic with the best combined team score.
Minster (Girls) - Fourth consecutive team state title at the OHSAA Division 3 State Championship.
Fairfield Union (Boys) - First team state title, first time on the podium at the OHSAA Division 2 State Championships.
Hathaway Brown (Girls) - Victory at Riverside Kickoff Classic Night Invitational 2024, finished ahead of eventual state champions Minerva.
Talawanda (Girls) - Victory at OHSAA Division 1 Region 4 - Troy, finishing ahead of Mason.
Sum. Co. Day (Boys and Girls) - Sweep at OHSAA Division 3 District - Voice of America.
Hudson (Boys) - Victory at OHSAA Division 1 Region 1 - Youngstown (Boardman) over Massillon Jackson.
Boardman (Boys) - Victory at Legends Meet, 1 point ahead of St. Ignatius.