Davidson boys, girls in running for title
It was 16 years ago when Hilliard Davidson’s boys and girls cross country teams celebrated their historic Division I state championship sweep at Scioto Downs.
Coming off regional titles last weekend, the Wildcats runners have a chance to repeat the feat Saturday at National Trail Raceway in Kirkersville.
Citing analytics, coach Pat Schlecht believes that Hudson, Mason and Davidson will fight for the boys title, with Cincinnati St. Xavier a possible sleeper.
“I believe we have a realistic shot at the podium,” said Schlecht, who coached both 2002 title teams. “Anything can happen, but all three teams have run on tough courses against the best competition. We have good front-runners that will give us and edge, but our compression needs to get better. We need to bring our back end a little closer.”
Seniors Conner Johanssen and Max LeClair lead the way for Davidson, which comes in ranked fourth in the state coaches poll.
Since 2000, Davidson’s boys have produced three state runner-up finishes (including 2017), two thirds, two fourths and a fifth.
The girls, now coached by Nate King — who ran for Schlecht on the 2002 title team — have been just as successful during the span. The Wildcats were runners-up twice, What: 90th state boys and 41st girls cross country championships When: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday Where: National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Kirkersville Admission: $10
third twice, fourth once and fifth once.
“We run separate programs but Pat and I collaborate a lot,” King said. “Our philosophies are a lot alike in many ways. It’s a cool dynamic.”
Davidson’s girls, also ranked fourth, turned in the lowest score (38) in all four regionals. They are trying to unseat four-time defending champion Centerville, which took third in a tight and competitive Troy regional. Other contenders include top-ranked Beavercreek, Liberty Township Lakota East and Granville, runnerup in the Pickerington North regional.
“I think there are seven or eight teams in the hunt,” King said. “If we do our job and run like we can, we’ve got a shot. In my eight years here, this is the most complete team I’ve had.”
King also boasts a strong lead pack duo of senior Sophie Lewis and sophomore Lindsay Stull. The Wildcats’ first and fifth scorers were separated by only 46 seconds in the regional; Davidson claimed five of the top 19 places and Granville five of the top 26.
“Our compression is our deadliest weapon,” King said. “We like to have a couple up front, then have our No. 3, 4 and 5 close together and use our Nos. 6 and 7 to pick off points from other contending teams.”
After winning the regional title, Heath’s No. 3-ranked boys hope to contend in the Division II meet. The Bulldogs, led by junior regional runnerup Xavier Foehl, are making their fourth straight appearance.
“Of course, everybody can see the other regional scores around the state and the rankings, but we really don’t talk about that sort of thing,” coach Scott Brown said. “We take the approach of, ‘Let’s just go compete, run our best and see what happens.’ ”
In Division III, Mount Gilead’s boys — seventh in 2017 — hope to compete for a title. They are ranked No. 1 and Fredericktown No. 2.
Several area individuals could vie for titles as well.
In Division I, Matt Duvall of Pickerington North and Elliott Cook of Dublin Jerome should be in the front pack. And after placing fourth a year ago, Gracie Sprankle of Olentangy Liberty is primed to contend in the girls race.
Mount Gilead standouts Allison Johnson and Baylee Hack, who took 1-2 at the regional, figure to be major players in the Division III girls race. Hack placed third and Johnson fifth last year.