West Liberty-Salem’s boys and girls cross country teams punched state meet tickets again Saturday as both squads finished as Divison III regional runner-ups in Troy.
The Big Orange girls,ranked fifth in the latest Division III state coaches poll, was edged out by number-two ranked Ft. Loramie by one point. The top three teams advanced to next Saturday’s state meet at Fortress Obetz.
This is the seventh year in a row that the Big Orange girls have qualified to the state meet.
“The girls left it all out on the course today against two top-10 stateranked teams,” said WL-S girls head coach Ann Vogel. “I’m so proud of the fight and determination they showed throughout the race. Qualifying for the state meet is always tough, and today’s race is a testament to their work ethic, love for their team and commitment to the tradition of the Big Orange program.”
Ft. Loramie had 60 points, with the Big Orange getting 61 points. Madeira grabbed the last qualifying spot with 72 points.
Ashley Yoder and Malia Miller again powered the Big Orange girls. Yoder placed sixth (19:46) and Miller was right behind in seventh place (19:51).
Breece Gullet ran a strong race for 15th place (20:31) for the Big Orange. Addison McAuley and Gwen McCullough recorded top-25 finishes, with McAuley placing 22nd (20:49) and McCullough in 23rd (20:52).
Also for the Big Orange, Taylor Kennedy placed 37th (21:33) and Claire Longshore was 51st (22:13).
The WL-S girls will run at 11:45 a.m. Saturday in the Division III state meet.
The Big Orange boys, ranked third in the latest Division III state poll, finished second behind Country Day (53) with 74 points. Botkins (77) and Cedarville (136) also earned state berths as the top four teams advanced.
“I’m very proud of the way this team responded after all of the sickness that has ran its course through the program this week,” said WL-S boys head coach Mike Louden.
“Qualifying to state for the fifth consecutive year is a testament of this team’s fight and character. In fact, today we ran without Asher Knox, out numbertwo runner who didn’t compete because of illness.
“I am just happy for the whole team stepping up in his absence and running an outstanding team race. We’re hopeful he’ll be back next week to help us at the state meet.”
Senior Owen Harrison led the Big Orange with a third-place finish in 16:44.7.
Garrett Wallen was 13th for WL-S in (16:58.5), Joey LaRoche was 20th (17:16.5), Dylan King finished 21st (17:17), Troy Bradley was 29th (17:34.3), Quentin Rudolph finished 33rd (17:40.2) and Brevin Louden was 46th (18:09.1).
“Owen Harrison ran an almost flawless race moving up methodically from 35th at the first mile to finish in third,” said Louden. “Freshmen Garrett Wallen rose to the occasion and delivered a top-15 finish, which is incredible for a freshmen. Junior Joey LaRoche and freshman Dylan King both had remarkable races and set career personal bests.
“Troy Bradley also ran a solid race and Quentin Rudolph and Brevin Louden ran great races despite coming off of illnesses.”
The Big Orange boys will be making their 21st state meet appearance next Saturday.
They will run at 11 a.m. at Fortress Obetz.
More Cross Country results in Monday’s Examiner