Smith, Ewert Win Division 1 Titles At National Trails

By Mary Alb of DyeStat

Conant Smith can finally call himself a cross country state champ. Saturday at National Trails Raceway in Hebron, Smith, a senior from Middletown, crossed the 5,000 meter course in 15 minutes, 43.3 seconds to win the Ohio State Division 1 title. 

"I just achieved what I've ever wanted, so here it is. It's a little overwhelming right now but I think it will hit me here soon," Smith told cincinnati.com. 

Smith’s victory was also the fastest time of the day. In the team race, Hudson repeated as state champs with 107 points. 

The entire meet was postponed a week due to flooding on the course. The decision to move the championships back a week played havoc with top teams and individuals hoping compete Sunday at NXR Midwest. Some that stuck to their plans raced twice in 24 hours.

In the Division 1 girls race, junior Taylor Ewert of Beavercreek led her team to a state title as she won the race in 17:38.7. Beavercreek held off Centerville’s bid for another title by pulling out a 118-141 win. 

The Woodridge boys placed three in the top 25 to score 109 points and win the Division 2 title. Lexington senior Kyle Johnston won the race in 15:52.9. 

Lexington won the girls title again, going 3-4-5 to score 72 points. Hawken sophomore Ella Gilson won the girls individual crown in a time of 18:37.4. 

Junior Noah Fisher of Ayersville won the D3 title in 16:14.4, while Fort Loramie won the team title, placing two runners in the top five. 

The D3 girls race was once again dominated by Minster,as the Wildcats placed five runners in the top 20, led by junior Emma Watcke’s second place finish (18:53.3) Minster scored 46 points. Fort Loramie was second with 134 points. Badger junior Miranda Stanhope won the race in 18:51.6.

Team Champions

Division 1  Boys - Hudson 107 points RESULTS

Division 1 Girls - Beavercreek 118 points RESULTS

Division 2 Boys - Woodridge 109 points RESULTS

Division 2 Girls - Lexington 72 points RESULTS

Division 3 Boys - Fort Loramie 127 points RESULTS

Division 3 Girls - Minster 46 points RESULTS