The Mount Gilead Middle School girls’ cross country team successfully defended their state championship at the OHSAA State Middle School/Junior High Invitational at OU Lancaster last Saturday.
The girls placed first with 49 points and Bradford was the runner-up with 75. Ali Johnson was the state individual champion defeating 97 other girls. Her winning time was 12:30. Also receiving medals were Emily Hanft, 4th (12:43), Olivia Millisor, 6th (12:46), and Auna Tack, 21st (14:02). Other members of the championship team were Becca Staley, 41st (14:58) and Kaylene Brinkman, 72nd, (16:38).
Selia Shipman and Hope Longhenry were unable to run due to injuries. The team completed their season with a record of 124-3. They won five invitationals and were COAL Blue Division champions and State Champions. The five eighth grade girls finished their middle school careers with a record of 168-3.
The boys team placed fifth in the state meet. Winning medals for the team were Brett Shipman, 4th (11:30) , Colson Chapman, 25th (12:42) and Kooper Keen, 29th (12:44) out of 105 runners. Other members of the team were Michael Snopik, 36th (13:00), Eric Mowery, 46th (13:14), Turner Fitzpatrick, 50th (13:20), Mason Kidwell, 71st (13:55), Tyler Knight, 81st (14:25), and Philip Emberg, 96th (15:46).
The boys finished their season with a record of 111- 28. They were the winners of three invitationals and the runner-up in the blue division at the COAL meet.