Granville girls cross country had an exceptional season, winning five regular season meets, as well as each postseason race, including states. The team began training over the summer, with their eyes set on winning the state meet for the first time in 8 years

The team traveled to Fortress Obetz on Nov 5 to compete in the Girls Division II OHSAA State XC Championships.With a score of 130, the girls placed first, beating the second place team, Kenston, by 25 points.  The team won the regional meet on Oct 29 to qualify for the state championship. 

There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the state championship, with a school and community clap-out on Friday, and a send off on Saturday morning. 

“It was very nerve-wracking when we first got to the meet,” said Lehmann. “I knew we had a chance of winning, but there were so many other good runners there.”

Seniors Zoee Lehmann, Ella Johnson, Lillian Eckels and Sophie Cotts led the varsity team, and were a vital part of the team’s success this season. All three seniors have been running cross country since middle school and will continue their running careers at the collegiate level. Johnson was the top Granville runner at the state meet and placed 13th with a time of 19:13.4.  She was followed by Lehmann with a time of 19:48.9, Cotts at 20:08.9, and Eckles at 20:16.7. 

Running has always been a passion of Johnson’s and winning the state championship was the cherry on top for her senior season. 

“Being able to win with the other seniors was very meaningful,” said Johnson. “I am sad the season is over but I am excited to see where my running takes me in the future.” 

The rest of the varsity team is made up of Kara Bergeron, Sophia Poling and Anne Weis. They proved their talents this season and will be key members of the team next year. Bergeron, a junior, has also been running since middle school. Bergeron placed 81st with a time of 20:37.9. The loss of the seniors is bittersweet for Bergeron but she is excited to see how the younger runners will perform. 

“I am looking forward to having another great season with my team,” said Bergeron. “This season gave us a lot of inspiration and motivation to want to perform at our best in the future.”

Overall, girls cross country had an exceptional season, both as a team and the achievements of individual runners. With the indoor track season approaching, the team has a two week break before beginning practice in hopes of setting new records and again placing at states at the indoor track championships. Chrisi Rogerson, cross country and track coach, was very satisfied with the season and is excited to see the girls continue to improve.

“The indoor season brings a time to continue to build a strong aerobic base and general strength to carry over into the outdoor season,” said Rogerson. “Staying consistent over the winter will keep the athletes healthy and strong.”