The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Amherst boys, Avon Lake girls make history
In Division II Bay senior Slyepkan wins his first district title; Bay girls place third overall
History was made at the district meet at Lorain County Community college Oct. 20.
The Amherst boys (75) captured their first district title since 1990 in the Division I race, led by individual champion Josh Hill (15:59.74).
The Avon Lake girls won their first district title (62) since 1996, led by sophomore Maggie Jantz’s sixth place finish (20:09.11).
On the boys side, the top four teams and 16 individuals advanced to regionals, and the top five teams and 20 individuals advanced on the girls side.
Boys Division I
Comets coach Rob Glatz and Hill were both surprised the team came through with a title.
Hill’s individual title was expected, the second time he’s done it in his career along with a course PR. He is the first Comet to win two district titles since 1973-74 when Peter Kummant did it. Junior Matthew Kirsch placed seventh (17:04.28), sophomore Jacob Raesler was 20th (17:48.32) and senior Devin Baumgartner placed behind him (17:49.96).
“I was blown away by that,” Hill said. “We didn’t really know what we had. We originally knew we could do it, but it wasn’t something we thought was going to happen. We all had our best races and gave it our all.”
Amherst finished third last week in the Southwestern Conference meet, and the top two teams from that meet (Lakewood, Avon) didn’t make it through to regionals.
“It’s amazing with all this competition that we can come out on top,” Hill added. “All the training we’ve put into this, it’s like a paycheck. You have money in the bank and then you take it out during championship season.”
Glatz said his boys used last week’s disappointment at the conference meet as fuel.
“We knew we missed an opportunity last week,” he said. “We capitalized on it this week. We were hungry. I’m really proud of Josh. He’s by far the toughest kid I’ve ever coached. Kirsch really stepped up and our pack ran together. It’s very exciting.”
Avon Lake (109) made it through placing fourth. Avon sophomore Jett Wieber finished third (16:46.89) with a PR to qualify to regionals.
“I felt amazing,” Wieber said. “I wanted to go out with the top five and sprint it out at the end. My mindset was I wanted to do well and didn’t want to leave anything out there.”
Girls Division I
The Shoregals weren’t as surprised with the title, edging runner-up Avon (68). Along with Jantz, freshman Riley Mullen placed seventh (20:14.78), junior Emma Sherban finished 12th (20:45.50) and freshman Erin Boland was 17th (20:54.81).
“Going into the meet the main focus was against Avon but anything can happen,” Jantz said. “I was just focused and trying to run for the team. This is a big race. It’s amazing because it’s been a long time since the Avon Lake girls have been this good.”
Coach Rob Juergens had a feeling his team would have a shot.
“If you would have asked me three to four weeks ago if we would win this, I would have said no,” Juergens said. “Our girls rose up. They’ve been working hard and gaining confidence.”
Westlake senior Erica Francesconi repeated as district champion with a Westlake school record on the LCCC course (19:19.36), beating Rocky River freshman Samantha Coleman (19:51.31). Her teammate Teagan Walsh placed 11th (20:44.67).
“It was about getting out just like the SWC meet and I just wanted to break 20,” Francesconi said. “I just wanted to get the win for my team, and I’m really happy the way I performed. I’m beyond thrilled that my teammate made it through. We’re pumped.”
Avon senior Jules Frombach was third (20:00.97) and Rocky River’s Ella Russell was fourth (20:04.18).
Boys Division II
The Bay Rockets were the only local team to make it through, finishing second (45) behind Woodridge (31).
Woodridge is ranked No. 2 in the state and the Rockets third. Senior Ivan Slyepkan won his first district title with a 16:24.80. Junior Khaled Hamil was fourth (16:42.80), sophomore Jude Ault placed seventh (16:52.44) and sophomore Will Warren took 11th (17:09.28).
“This win is very encouraging,” Slyepkan said. “I’ve been wanting this title for a while now. I don’t want to say I’m peaking right now,
but this is the best condition I’ve ever been in. I love our team going into regionals, it’s always a fun time. It feels like nothing else matters.”
Hamil feels confident moving forward.
“I hope we can do very well at regionals,” Hamil said. “I hope I can stay close to Ivan as I was today.”
Rocky River’s Jack McDonough placed 12th (17:10.01) and Keystone freshman Stephen Faltay was 16th (17:22.54).
Girls Division II
Bay advanced finishing third (119) behind Beaumont (64) and Woodridge (102).
They were led by sophomore Olivia Bird placing 10th (20:21.82) and freshman Norah Hamil taking 13th (20:50.62).
“It’s so much fun,” Bird said. “It’s going to be fun going to regionals with Norah.”
Brookside sophomore Alicia Fike placed 18th (20:53.27) to qualify for the first time. She is the first Cardinals girls qualifier in seven years.
“I threw up twice during the race but I overcame that,” Fike said. “I think it was because of the breakfast I ate. I wanted to go out fast, strong and stay with some of the girls. This means a lot and I’m happy I’m able to do this.”
“Going into the meet the main focus was against Avon but anything can happen.”— Avon Lake’s Maggie Jantz