High school cross country state meet capsule

CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

What: State cross country meet

When: Nov. 10, 11 a.m. Where: National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Road SW DIVISION I When: Boys — 12:30 p.m., Girls — 3 p.m.

Team qualifiers: University boys, Kenston boys

Individual qualifiers: Andi Mann, Chardon, Bri Nieset, Chardon, Ellie Pleune, Kenston, Nick Kozlowski, Mentor, A.J. Haffa, Riverside

What to look for: University’s Justin Iler placed 28th at the 2017 state meet as a sophomore. He’s poised to notch a high finish at the front of the Preppers’ pack. Ben Chao’s first full season with the team afforded University a No. 2 runner near Iler’s level, which spurred the team’s first D-I state qualification . ... Kenston’s boys team qualified for the third straight season. Jakob McConnell will end his outstanding high school career in Hebron after he placed fifth at Hebron. He and fellow senior Kyle Silk lead a young group of Bombers . ... Sophomores Andi Mann and Bri Nieset qualified individually to continue their breakout year for Chardon’s girls team . ... Kenston sophomore Ellie Pleune makes her second state appearance for the Bombers . ... Mentor junior Nick Kozlowski heads to his second state meet after he was 81st as a sophomore. He figures to record a higher placement now to cap his second season of cross country . ... Riverside senior A.J. Haffa narrowly qualified at Boardman after he won the district title at Madison. Haffa is primed to do well at his first state meet.

DIVISION II

When: Boys — 11:45 a.m., Girls — 2:15 p.m.

Team qualifiers: Beaumont girls, Hawken girls, Chagrin

Falls girls, NDCL boys

Individual qualifiers: Marshall Sadowski, Chagrin Falls

What to look for: Beaumont placed second at Boardman and will contend for a spot on the state podium. The Blue Streaks are led by junior three-time state qualifiers Addison Ciecierski and Mia Mlynek, who placed on the podium as sophomores. Senior Ashley Rulison is a strong No. 3 and junior Carly Perusek ran for Hawken’s fifthplace state team last year. ... Hawken sophomore Ella Gilson is a contender to win the D-II girls individual state title. She was the regional champion at Boardman and heads to Hebron for her second state meet. Alongside Juliana Metz and Julia Newman, the Hawks will contend alongside Beaumont . ... Chagrin Falls pulled off a surprise qualification at Boardman while missing No. 1 runner Catherine Coffey due to illness. If she’s healthy, Coffey and junior Hannah Clark will lead the Tigers’ pack . ... NDCL didn’t put its best race together at Boardman but survived to secure its second straight state berth. Big races from seniors Augie King and Cal Yackin would boost the Lions’ standing . ... Chagrin Falls senior Marshall Sadowski qualified for the state meet with massive lateseason improvements.

DIVISION III

When: Boys — 11 a.m., Girls — 1:30 p.m.

Team qualifiers: Gilmour girls, Gilmour boys

What to look for: Katie Engle leads Gilmour’s girls team to Hebron on her fourth state trip in four seasons with the Lancers. Gilmour is ranked No. 5 in the state and will vie for podium placement behind Engle, Alannah Barton, Caitrina Barton, Sophia Garofalo and Mary Lombardo . ... Likewise, senior Tim Diemer will run in Hebron for the fourth time. Diemer, Tyler Clark and Connor Gerspacher lead Gilmour’s pack on the boys side and the Lancers should at least notch a top-10 team finish.