OHIO STATE MEET

Mason Boys, Perrysburg Girls Outlast Competition In Division 1

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

David Nguyen Photo Gallery

William Zegarski of Little Miami set a new standard for excellence at the Ohio state cross country championships on Saturday at Fortress Obetz in the Division 1 boys final. 

Zegarski (US#17) covered the 5,000-meter distance in 14:39.9 and beat Hilliard Davidson junior Connor Ackley (US#29) by 19 seconds to win the individual title with the fastest time in meet history. 

Zegarski has gone undefeated since late September and had a breakout race on Oct. 23 at the Southwest District meet, where he ran 14:47.8 for a course record at Voice of America Park. 

Although it's only the second year for the state meet at Fortress Obetz, Zegarski's time is 15 seconds faster than Andrew Jordan's all-time Ohio championship record set in 2015. 

The Mason boys got a 28-second spread 1-5, which was good enough to score 106 points and hold off good teams from Dublin Coffman (144) and Hilliard Davidson (145).

The Perrysburg girls edged Loveland 101-109 to win the Division 1 girls team title. 

Leading five girls under 18 minutes, senior Alyssa Shope from Lincoln won the girls final in 17:32.1. Junior Katie Clute of Olmsted Falls was second in 17:39.1.

The Marlington boys had two under 16 minutes and in the top seven to lead the team to a D2 team championship with 77 points. Jack Agnew from Carroll won the individual title in 15:31.3. 

Minerva withstood a tough challenge from Granville on the girls side, pulling out a 136-139 victory. Minerva's five scorers came in between 21st and 75th overall; Granville's scorers were between fifth and 93rd. Grace Hartman led a 1-2 finish with teammate Bella Butler for Oakwood. Hartman's time of 17:31.6 was the fastest of the day and Butler was 31 seconds behind her. 

East Canton retained the D3 title with 93 points. Gabe Shilling (fourth) and Brylan Holland (ninth) led the way. Brady Yingst from Perry (Lima) won the race in 15:279.4. 

Minster, one of the best small-school girls programs in the country, regained the D3 team title with 66 points as Margaret Hemmelgarn (third) and Taylor Roth (ninth) both finished in the top 10. 

Caleigh Richards from Maplewood won the individual title in 18:16.2. 

Team Champions - 

Division 1 - Mason boys 106 points, Perrysburg girls 101 points - RESULTS

Division 2 - Marlington boys 77 points, Minerva girls 136 points - RESULTS

Division 3 - East Canton boys 93 points, Minster girls 66 points - RESULTS