WEST LIBERTY – West Liberty-Salem has qualified its girls cross country team to the Division III state meet for the third time in the past five seasons – a pillar of continuing success that few programs can match.
With a 129-21 season record, the squad has been dominant on the way to an OHC title, a district runner-up and a fourth-place finish at the regional meet.
“Our expectations for the state meet are no different than any other meet. We want to race smart and leave it all on the course. I’m confident the girls will run with heart and run for each other,” WL-S Coach Ann Vogel said. “They are proud to carry on the Big Orange cross country tradition and they are excited and honored to represent their school and community at the state meet.”
The Tigers have gotten a boost from freshman Grace Adams, who had the team’s lowest time of the season at 19:16. Reghan Bieleski turned in a season-best 19:28 and the pair has offered a top-tier 1-2 punch.
“Reghan and Grace have really become close this season, and training together has made them both better runners,” Vogel said. “They push each other at practice and during races, and more importantly, they are so supportive of each other. Both the girls are so selfless, and put the success of the team ahead of any personal success.”
Payton Umphries (season-best 21:33), Lydia Moell (21:41), Kiana Reames (21:49), Jenna Magnuson (22:11) and Lauren Fowler (22:45) are also running well as the season winds down.
“There’s a strong chemistry with this team and I believe it has been a big part of our success this season. The girls really enjoy being with one another in and out of cross country,” Vogel said.
The Tigers also got a male individual to state, with Nick Williams qualifying from the Troy regional.
The Division III girls race begins on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at National Trail Raceway in Hebron. Williams will run in the Division III boys race at 11 a.m.
Former M’burg runners in action
The Heidelberg University cross country teams competed at the Ohio Athletic Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 29, in Columbus.
Former Mechanicsburg runner Rachel House paced the women’s team by completing the 6K course in 22:14 to finish 3rd out of 125 competitors. Teammate Hayley Cochran ran the course in 22:16 to finish 5th overall.
With the girls’ impressive finishes, both were named to the First Team All-Ohio Athletic Conference.
The teams will compete on Nov. 12 in the NCAA Division III Great Lakes Regional meet to be held in Holland, Mich.
