CEDARVILLE — The West Liberty-Salem cross country teams continued their strong season with the boys and girls winning league titles.
It is the fifth straight for the boys, 15th in the last 17, and 35th overall.
For the girls, this makes the 12th straight and 20th in team history.
The boys had 18 points, well ahead of Cedarville (43).
Caleb Larson (15:41), Asher Cole (15:53), Dylan King (16:26) and Brayan Gullett (16:29) claimed the top four spots, with Garrett Wallen eighth (17:21).
Next were Zeke Longshore (10th, 17:35) and Owen Hardwick (13th, 17:50), followed by Eric Hoover (17:54); Gauge Lee (18:18); Zac Carter (18:44); Zeke Sidders (19:03); Brevin Louden (19:33); Daniel Erne (19:55); Landon McKenzie (19:56); Isaiah Barth (21:27); Levi Miller (22:26); and Jackson Henry (24:23).
Big Orange boys coach Mike Louden said, “It was a home run day for the program. All four teams won the OHC championship, and just how cool is that. Not many programs in the state can make that claim. I’m very proud of all of our athletes, parents, and coaches at all levels, including our youth for investing and pouring so much into this program the way they do. The collective success is something truly special to be a part of.”
He added that “Collectively the team ran well today helping us secure another OHC title; we had nine career personal records or season bests, while many of the others ran near record times. I was very pleased with the effort of everyone today. Winning a conference title is something we don’t take for granted and is something that we strive for every year when setting team goals.”
Larson was named the OHC Runner of the Year, and set an OHC course record, previously held by WL-S’ Dylan Lauck (15:42, 2020).
Cole, King and Gullett were named to the first team all-OHC, with Longshore and Hardwick second team and Hoover and Lee getting honorable mention.
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The girls team had 43 points, with Mechanicsburg taking second with 63.
Malia Miller finished third (19:10), followed by Addi Wallen (7th, 19:48); Gwen McCullough (11th, 20:24); Isla Leichty (12th, 20:28); and Elia Matthews (13th, 20:48).
Rounding things out were Mariska Smith (17th, 21:03); Charlee Albers (19th, 21:17); Mia Dooley (22:47); Emma Smith (22:49); Rachel Stanford (23:49); and Annabelle Booze (28:48).
Miller and Wallen were named to the first team all-conference, with McCullough, Leichty and Matthews on the second team. Earning honorable mention were Smith and Albers.
Coach Aaron Lauck said, “This was a good day for the Big Orange girls. It was a very competitive OHC meet with five state-ranked teams battling for the title. I was very proud of their determination and ability to perform under pressure. We have yet to run our perfect team race, but we are starting to look dangerous as we get into the postseason.”
