The Greater Miami Conference proved its southwest Ohio dominance in the District Championships held last weekend (Oct. 24th) at the Voice of America Park in West Chester. GMC teams nailed down three SW District Championships as well as two team runner-up trophies. Additionally, GMC “Runners of the Year” Zach Beneteau from Lakota West (15:25.1) and Carly Spletzer from Lakota East (18:22.0) both claimed individual District Championship race honors.
In Boys Race “B”, Lakota West came away with the championship (27 points) closely followed by second place Mason (50 points). Zach Beneteau (West) was the race champion (15:25.1) with second place going to teammate Cole Cronk (15:31.2). These two runners were also one – two in the GMC Championship meet the previous weekend.
In the Girls Race “A”, Mason brought home the District title (40 points) with a quality finish by Oak Hills (63 points) earning the second place honors. The highest finishing GMC runner in this race was GMC 1st Team All-Conference performer, Alyssa Hammond (18:33.2) in second place just 6.3 seconds off the winning time.
In the Girls Race “B”, Lakota East (28 points) secured the GMC’s third title of the day. Anchored by GMC “Runner of the Year” Carly Spletzer’s winning time of 18:22.0 and supported by 1st team All GMC teammate Kelsi Harris’ second place time of 18:55.3, the Thunderhawks walked away with the race.
Next stop for GMC Country teams and individuals will be the OHSAA Regional Meet. The OHSAA Regional Championship will be held on Saturday, October 31st at Troy’s Memorial Stadium. The boys race will start at 3:00 PM followed by the girls race at 4:00 PM. GMC OHSAA Regional meet qualifiers are: Boys – Lakota East, Oak Hills, Lakota West and Mason with three individuals at large qualifying – Frank Caleb (Fairfield), Patrick Daunhauer (Sycamore) and Noah Locke (Middletown). On the girls side of the course, teams from Mason, Oak Hills, Lakota East and Sycamore will all being vying for the coveted Regional title and a path to the state championships on Saturday, November 7th.
In the OHSAA State Championships, the boys will compete at 3:00 PM and the girls at 4:00 PM. The site is: Memorial Park and Fortress Obetz, “Venue” 4175 Alum Creek Drive, Obetz, OH 43207.