The Mount Gilead Middle School girls’ cross country team successfully defended their state championship at the OHSAA State Middle School/Junior High Invitational at OU Lancaster last Saturday.

The girls placed first with 49 points and Bradford was the runner-up with 75. Ali Johnson was the state individual champion defeating 97 other girls. Her winning time was 12:30. Also receiving medals were Emily Hanft, 4th (12:43), Olivia Millisor, 6th (12:46), and Auna Tack, 21st (14:02). Other members of the championship team were Becca Staley, 41st (14:58) and Kaylene Brinkman, 72nd, (16:38).

Selia Shipman and Hope Longhenry were unable to run due to injuries. The team completed their season with a record of 124-3. They won five invitationals and were COAL Blue Division champions and State Champions. The five eighth grade girls finished their middle school careers with a record of 168-3.

The boys team placed fifth in the state meet. Winning medals for the team were Brett Shipman, 4th (11:30) , Colson Chapman, 25th (12:42) and Kooper Keen, 29th (12:44) out of 105 runners. Other members of the team were Michael Snopik, 36th (13:00), Eric Mowery, 46th (13:14), Turner Fitzpatrick, 50th (13:20), Mason Kidwell, 71st (13:55), Tyler Knight, 81st (14:25), and Philip Emberg, 96th (15:46).

The boys finished their season with a record of 111- 28. They were the winners of three invitationals and the runner-up in the blue division at the COAL meet.

Mount Gilead Middle School’s girls’ cross country team is pictured above after winning the OHSAA state meet for middle school and junior high competitors.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/10/web1_state-meet-1.jpgMount Gilead Middle School’s girls’ cross country team is pictured above after winning the OHSAA state meet for middle school and junior high competitors. Courtesy Photo

Information received from Mike Galleher.