COLUMBUS – The West Liberty-Salem boys cross country team won the Columbus Grove Invitational Varsity Gray Race and the junior varsity open race on Saturday.
Placing for the Tigers were Caleb Larson 1st 15:55.8, Asher Knox 2nd 16:11.7, Dylan King 3rd 16:15.6, Asher Cole 5th 16:24.6 and Troy Bradley 15th 17:08.9.
Placing for the WL-S jayvees were Quentin Rudolph 2nd 17:44.9, Adly Knox 3rd 17:56.3 and Taryn Bradley 4th 17:58.3
“Bringing home two convincing titles in the same day is truly special. I thought the varsity set the tone early with their collective team effort,” said WL-S Coach Mike Louden. “Individually, Caleb Larson winning the race is such amazing achievement, I couldn’t be any happier for him. He had some setbacks during the winter and spring and has really dialed it in his return.”
The WL-S girls team placed second at Columbus Grove in the Gray Division.
Minster was first with 51 points and WL-S had 71.
For the Tigers, Malia Miller was 2nd (19:25), Gwen McCullough was 6th (20.00), Isla Leichty was 15th (20:53), Addi Wallen was 16th (21:05) and Mariska Smith was 35th (21:57).
“This race featured seven Division 3 OATCCC state-ranked teams including No. 1 defending state champ, Minster,” said WL-S Coach Aaron Lauck. “I thought our girls were composed and fought well. They continue to practice well and improve.”
Urbana/Triad
At the Hillclimber Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Urbana’s Hazel Lightle placed first in the girls race in 21:20.70 and Vincent Lightle placed second in the boys race in 17:02.60.
In the boys race, Urbana’s Zachary Nutt was sixth in 18:19.00 and Triad’s Henry Beaverson was eighth in 18:21.70.
In the girls race, Urbana’s Avari Jenkins was third in 22:50.90 and Olivia MacKendrick was sixth in 23:25.50. Triad’s Aubrey Johnson was fifth in 23:18.60.
