Cross country: Area boys place well at the state meet

The crisp autumn air at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park wasn’t enough to propel the Crestview Knights to the top of the podium this past Saturday at the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Cross Country State Championships. While the team, a familiar face after claiming the Division IV state title in 2022, finished sixth with 231 points, the individual performance of junior Derek Young offered a bright spot amidst a season marked by adversity. The Knights' journey back to the state meet this year, after facing injuries and illnesses, underscores the dedication and resilience inherent in high school athletics—a testament to the values of perseverance and teamwork that are so vital to our community.

What Happened: A Season of Challenges Culminates at State

Last year’s state championship victory set a high bar for the Crestview boys’ cross-country program, and this season presented a unique set of hurdles. The team battled through injuries and illnesses throughout the year, making their return to the state meet a significant achievement in itself. Mount Gilead ultimately secured the D-IV team title with 84 points, followed closely by Russia with 99 points. Botkins (155), Legacy Christian (158), and Tinora (214) completed the top five, leaving Crestview in sixth place among a field of 24 teams. The OHSAA Cross Country State Championships are a culmination of months of training and dedication for these young athletes, and the results reflect the intense competition at the highest level of Ohio high school athletics. athletic.net provides complete results of the meet.

Junior Derek Young led the Crestview charge, finishing fifth in a time of 15:45.7 on the 5,000-meter course. His performance demonstrated not only individual talent but also a remarkable ability to maintain composure under pressure. The rest of Crestview’s team included Hudson Perrott (84th, 17:10.3), Kale Vining (91st, 17:14.7), Caleb Thomas (96th, 17:18), Andy Heth (115th, 17:30.8), Luke Sawmiller (119th, 17:32.9) and Levi Hoblet (169th 18:13.6). The dedication of each member of the team, regardless of placement, contributes to the overall success and spirit of the program.

Crestview coach Randy Grandstaff acknowledged the challenges faced this season. “We ran farther back than we should have. It happened most of the season,” he stated. “We did what we did, and it wasn’t our best showing.” The coach also noted that earlier in the season, the team had dealt with illnesses and injuries, impacting their overall performance. “We thought we were ready, but there were a lot of teams that ran better than us,” Grandstaff added. These setbacks highlight the unpredictable nature of athletics and the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity.

Other Ohio Runners Shine

While Crestview’s performance was notable, several other Ohio athletes distinguished themselves at the state meet. In Division III, Kenton junior Wade Manns earned First Team All-Ohio honors with a 19th place finish in 15:48.4. “I wanted to get top 10 (overall), but I got 19th. So, that’s not bad,” Manns said, demonstrating a commendable attitude and a focus on continuous improvement. His teammate, junior Garry Phipps, participated in the state meet for the first time, having previously played football for Kenton. Phipps finished 68th overall in 16:47.5. The Van Wert boys’ team secured ninth place in Division III, with Oliver Scott leading the way (65th, 16:44.8), while Columbus Grove finished 12th in Division IV, led by Caiden Squillante (32nd, 16:34.2). Freshman Luke Brickner from Miller City shone in his first trip to state, placing 26th with a time of 16:30.3.

Miller City's Brickner Makes a Strong Debut

Brickner’s performance underscored the potential of young athletes and the importance of fostering talent at all levels. The rest of the Columbus Grove team included Zach Bryan (49th, 16:46.3), Aidan Vogt (57th, 16:55.8), Joel Schumacher (178th, 18:27.2), Nathaniel Jones (179th, 18:28), Collin Sprague (196th, 18:54.1) and Ethan Basinger (202nd, 19:22.5). The commitment to excellence demonstrated by these young athletes reflects positively on their schools and communities.

Community Reaction and What the Athletes Said

Derek Young’s comments reflected a blend of disappointment and satisfaction. “I’ve been battling a little bit of injuries throughout the week, and my breathing was not on point at regionals,” he explained. “But I was like, ‘I’m just going to come here, enjoy it and control what I can control.’ I honestly felt really good during the race.” His ability to focus on the controllable aspects of the competition, despite facing physical challenges, is a valuable lesson for young athletes and individuals alike. “I lost it mentally when (Ansonia’s) Bennett (Lehman) made his move up the hill,” Young added, acknowledging the competitive intensity of the race. The coach's reflection on the season's difficulties also speaks to the importance of perspective and the ongoing process of development.

Wade Manns’ gracious acceptance of his placement—and his eagerness for another year—exemplifies a positive attitude and a commitment to continuous improvement. “It wasn’t really fast, but we got first team (all Ohio),” he said. “I still have another year.” This outlook demonstrates the value of perseverance and the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. The dedication of these young men to their sport and their academic pursuits is a source of pride for our community.

What’s Next: Looking Ahead for Crestview and Ohio Cross Country

While the loss of key seniors will undoubtedly present a challenge for Crestview, coach Grandstaff’s emphasis on development offers a pathway forward. “We can build on this and hopefully keep developing kids,” he said. The focus on nurturing young talent and addressing the challenges that arose this season will be crucial for the program’s continued success. The OHSAA Cross Country State Championships are a testament to the dedication of student-athletes and the support of their families and communities. The City of Lima and local schools provide valuable resources and encouragement for these young athletes.

Nina’s Take: The Enduring Value of Perseverance and Teamwork

Watching the Crestview Knights compete at the state meet this year, I was struck by the enduring lessons embedded within their journey. The challenges they faced—injuries, illnesses, and ultimately, a sixth-place finish—highlight the realities of life: setbacks are inevitable. But it’s how we respond to those setbacks that truly defines us. The boys’ ability to maintain a positive attitude, support one another, and focus on what they could control is a powerful example for all of us. The value of strong teams, both on the field and in life, cannot be overstated. A supportive family environment and a commitment to faith provide a foundation for young people to navigate challenges and achieve their full potential. The dedication these young men show to their sport reflects a larger commitment to discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence—values that are essential for success in all areas of life. As we look ahead, I hope that the community continues to support these athletes and celebrate their achievements, both on and off the field.

The loss of several seniors will leave a void on the team, but it also presents an opportunity for younger athletes to step up and contribute. It’s crucial that the program prioritizes not only athletic development but also the cultivation of character, leadership, and a commitment to teamwork. The lessons learned this season—the importance of resilience, perseverance, and a positive attitude—will serve these young men well throughout their lives. Supporting our local schools and athletic programs is an investment in the future of our community, fostering a culture of excellence and providing opportunities for young people to thrive. The Lima Chamber of Commerce plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and organizations that contribute to the well-being of our community.

It’s also important to remember that athletic success is just one facet of a well-rounded life. A strong academic foundation, a commitment to family values, and a connection to faith are equally essential for long-term fulfillment. The dedication these young athletes demonstrate in their pursuit of excellence on the cross-country course can inspire them to achieve similar levels of success in their academic pursuits and personal lives. Bluffton Schools and other local districts provide valuable resources and support for students to achieve their full potential.

Resources for Local Athletes and Families

For those interested in supporting local athletics, several resources are available. The Lima Parks and Recreation Department offers programs and facilities for youth sports. The The Lima Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses that contribute to the well-being of our community, including those involved in youth sports. Parents and community members can also volunteer their time and expertise to support local school athletic programs. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) website (OHSAA website) provides information about rules, regulations, and championship events.

The commitment of coaches, parents, and community members is essential for fostering a positive and supportive environment for young athletes. By working together, we can create opportunities for these young people to develop their talents, build character, and achieve their full potential. The values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance learned through athletics can serve these young men well throughout their lives, preparing them to be responsible and contributing members of our community.

Closing paragraph: The Crestview Knights' journey this season serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and a positive attitude. While the ultimate goal of a state championship may have eluded them this year, the lessons learned and the character developed will undoubtedly serve these young men well in the years to come. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish both on and off the cross-country course, and we remain committed to supporting their efforts every step of the way.