When you mention the phrase "Tiffin Carnival" anyone in the Ohio cross country universe knows you're not talking about a circus. For nearly 60 years, the Tiffin Cross Country Carnival has brought athletes from across the state (and outside of it) together for a Saturday jam packed with running. At one time, it was the largest meet east of the Mississippi River.
Taking place at the expansive Hedges-Boyer Park on the east side of Tiffin, "The Carnival" has seen some of the most legendary runners in Ohio history cross its path. Like World Championship Bronze Medalist Emily Infeld, who won for Beaumont in 2007. Or former Nike Runner and current Under Armour coach Cory Leslie from Perkins, who won that same year. Even reigning USA steeplechase champion Nathan Mountain competed here for St. Xavier back in 2019. This is far from an exhaustive list! There have been myriad future pros, NCAA All-Americans, NCAA conference champions, and high school state champions that cut their teeth at this legendary meet.
Who to Watch
The sixth-ranked runner in the state this year, Cole Zang of Margaretta, has elected to run in the big school race as opposed to their school size of D3. The second fastest time entering this race belongs to the #2 runner in the D1 Northeast district in Matthew Scipione of Solon. Lincoln Schaffner of Anthony Wayne will also be in the mix, he is the #1 runner in the D1 Northwest district. Four of the top five runners in the D2 Northwest district will also be in the hunt.
On the small school side, Malaki Neilson of Sher. Fairview is the #17 runner in the state and comes in 30 seconds ahead of the next fastest seed time. There is also Joey Dietsch or Marion Pleasant who is the #1 runner in the D3 Central division.
On the girls big school side, Lexi Schultz of Perrysburg is the #5 runner in the state this season with a time of 18:14.7. The Huron girls, who are looking to compete for the state title, have moved up to the big school race in preparation for their tournament run. #8 freshman Morgan Miller and the Margaretta Polar Bears have also moved up to face the big schools. Not to be outdone, #7 freshman Emma McCormick of Summit Country Day will also be in the race. League rivals and two of the fastest sophomores in the state will also face off in Lily Kiser of Fremont Ross and Julia Bocik of Sylvania Southview.
Looking at the girls small schools it's impossible not to notice the number one runner in Ohio in Gwen Huddle of Napoleon. Behind her is the #1 runner in D4 in Natalie Nixon of Ottawa Hills and the #3 runner Colbie Strayer of Liberty Center.