HEBRON – The West Liberty-Salem girls cross country team placed second at the Division III state meet on Saturday.
WL-S had 89 points, 10 behind first-place Minster.
It was the Tigers’ first podium finish at the state meet.
Three WL-S runners earned All-Ohio honors with Megan Adams placing third in 18:42.3, Katelyn Stapleton 19th in 19:13.5 and Grace Adams 30th in 19:30.5.
Also placing for WL-S were Madison Bahan, 52nd in 20:08.6, Lydia Moell, 68th in 20:26.9 and Mandilyn Weaver, 124th in 21:48.9.
“It was our best finish ever at state, and it shows all the hard work and investment the girls have put in this season,” said WL-S Coach Ann Vogel. “The girls showed a lot of composure on the course and closed well to get the second place. It was so nice to finish the season on a high note.”
The Tiger girls end the season with a record of 159-3.
The West Liberty-Salem boys cross country team placed 10th at the Division II state meet on Saturday.
Woodridge won with 37 points and the Tigers had 274.
For WL-S, Dylan Lauck was All-Ohio for the second straight year after placing 16th in 16:18.3, Tate Yoder was 42nd in 16:40.7, Cade Clerico was 113th in 17:22.9, Noah Smith was 114th in 17:23.4, Gavin Harrison was 135th in 17:50.1, Hayden Kennedy was 139th in 17:53.6 and Andrew Kimball was 158th in 18:08.4.
“This was a remarkable season. To finish 10th in D-II in our first year competing, is an amazing accomplishment,” said WL-S Coach Mike Louden. “It was very emotional watching these three seniors compete for the very last time as members of the Big Orange. Gavin Harrison, Cade Clerico and Noah Smith have been very instrumental in the program’s success over these past four years and they will be greatly missed.
“I’m incredibly proud of all seven guys that competed and gave it everything they had,” Louden added. “I’m also proud of all 14 guys that ran for the Big Orange program this season. This state finish was a collective team effort for our entire program.”
Burton earns honor
West Liberty-Salem volleyball player Alex Burton has been named honorable mention All-Ohio in Division III volleyball.
Burton was also named the OHC North player of the year.
