Local runners punch ticket to state meet

On Oct. 27 at the Youngstown Regional at Boardman High School, several athletes accomplished their season-long goal of qualifying to the state meet— along with one team.

Girls Division I

It was a year in the making for Westlake senior Erica Francesconi. Last season, she fell at the regional meet, suffered a concussion and had to deal with PTSD. She didn’t fully recover until the end of June, but it was a hump Francesconi was going to get over by any means necessary.

She did that, placing 12th in the Division I race with a 19:57.84.

“It sunk in right when I crossed the finish line,” Francesconi said. “I’ve had such a long year and no one will ever know what I went through because they can’t relate to what I went through. Missing 10 months, being out of school, it was very, very stressful. The fact I came back and did what I wanted to do, I started crying after my race.”

Francesconi won the SWC and district titles coming in, and has solidified herself as the greatest Westlake runner ever.

She has one more race to go.

“Next week is just going to be a special moment for my coach, parents and teammates,” Francesconi said. “We haven’t gotten out of state in 20 plus years, and I’m going into this meet just excited.”

Rocky River freshman Samantha Coleman, who just earned Morning Journal Athlete of the Week, qualified placing 17th (20:07.97). She was one of four freshmen to qualify.

Avon senior Jules Frombach

missed out, placing 63rd (21:07.16). Frombach was named the Lorain County MVP for a second-year in a row and caps a stellar cross country career.

“It wasn’t the place I wanted but it is what it is,” Frombach said. “I’m definitely happy with how our season went. It’s sad how it ended, but I’m happy to be with my team and it was a great season. I’m thankful for Lorain County MVP, and I’m blessed to have my coaches and team push me every week.”

Boys Division II

The Bay Rockets placed third (92) behind Woodridge (55) and St. Vincent-St. Mary (63), led by senior Ivan Slyepkan (16:46.22) taking third.

“I was going for a little

bit higher but it happens,” Slyepkan said. “The biggest thing was getting through. We didn’t run the race we wanted as a team but this is what makes it fun.”

Khaled Hamil placed 15th (17:23.06) and Jude Ault was 20th (17:25.23). The Rockets hope for a top three finish at state next week.

“We’re really close to achieving what we’ve worked hard for,” Slyepkan said. “We’re excited.”

Rocky River senior Jack McDonough placed 10th (17:16.14) to qualify for the first time individually.

“I thought I ran a smart race,” McDonough said. “You start running in the summer to reach this point. This was definitely a goal the entire time.”

Boys Division I

Amherst senior Josh Hill placed second overall (16:04.64) behind Howland’s Vincent Mauri (15:51.00).

The top seven teams qualified and the Comets missed the cut placing ninth (264).

But Hill was at peace with his race.

“I went out a little quick, but that’s what I’m going to need to do next week,” Hill said. “I haven’t even reached peak condition yet and I plan to next week. I expect to run a great race next week. This means a lot because I started the season slow with all kinds injuries and so much adversity. To come back and get my redemption means a lot.”

Olmsted Falls senior Joe Backus placed 22nd (16:55.05) to qualify for the first time. The top 28 individuals qualified.

Boys and girls Division III

Lutheran West junior Kristin Groppe placed third (20:03.45) ahead of Gilmour’s Katie Engle (20:25.88) and returns to state for a second-straight year.

“I don’t think I could have done any better because of the weather,” Groppe said. “My goal was to beat the Gilmour girl. I’m not disappointed at all.”

Columbia’s Matt Pettegrew and Madeleine Finton qualified.

Pettegrew, a junior, was second (17:09.43) behind East Canton’s Demetrius Snellenberger (16:46.00).

“I’m a little surprised because I was hoping to finish around seventh or eighth,” Pettegrew said. “I prepared mentally for the race in the days before. It’s a good accomplishment.”

Finton, a freshman, placed seventh (20:42.56) and surprised herself.

“This is what I wanted to do and I made it happen,” Finton said. “I’ve learned how to push through the pain and never give up. Watching Matt Pettegrew motivated me to do the same thing. He was my motivation today.”

Vermilion’s See qualifies

Vermilion sophomore Luke See finished ninth (16:35.98) at the Tiffin regional. The top 12 individuals qualified. See finished 12th at the district a week prior.