Local runners compete at state

The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves and the sound of pounding feet Saturday as hundreds of Ohio high school cross country runners converged on Fortress Obetz for the state championships. The Mahoning Valley saw several teams and individuals achieve notable results across various divisions, showcasing dedication and grit as they pushed themselves to the limit. Naomi Sheesely of McDonald High School earned runner-up honors in the girls’ race with a time of 18:13.5, while Owen Cappuzzello secured a bronze medal in the boys’ race with a time of 15:38.0, highlighting the talent within the region’s high school cross country programs.

State Championship Highlights

The Ohio High School Athletic Association’s state cross country championships concluded Saturday, November 7, 2026, drawing runners from across the state to Fortress Obetz. The Mahoning Valley region saw several teams and individuals achieve notable results. In Division II, the Salem boys earned an eighth-place finish with a score of 258 points, and the Salem girls’ team placed ninth in Division III with 264 points. Maplewood High School achieved seventh place in the Division IV girls’ race with 232 points, while McDonald finished ninth with 259 points. These results highlight the depth of talent within the Mahoning Valley’s high school cross country programs. The Ohio High School Athletic Association oversees these competitions, ensuring fair play and celebrating athletic achievement. The state championships are a culmination of months of training, sacrifice, and teamwork for these athletes, and the results reflect the high level of commitment from both the runners and their coaching staff. Qualifying for state is a significant accomplishment in itself, as it represents the top teams and individuals from across Ohio.

Top Individual Performances

Beyond the team results, numerous athletes demonstrated strong individual performances. Luke Stephens of Salem led his team with a personal-best time of 16:14.4, placing 47th overall. His teammates, Colton Hall (16:27.8), Alex Rea (16:33.5), and Taven Tice (16:39.6) also achieved top-100 finishes, contributing to the team’s overall score. Boardman High School’s Dylan White secured a 13th-place finish in Division II with a time of 15:49.8. Canfield's Alex Taranto and Howland's Ryan Barringer also competed, posting times of 16:34.0 and 16:35.3, respectively. In Division III, Addison Hopple of Salem finished 17th with a time of 18:48.2. Lina Kaufman of Garfield High School earned an 11th-place finish in the Division IV girls’ race with a personal-best time of 18:33.3, and Owen Thomas and Lucas Thomas from Garfield secured 13th and 17th place respectively in the boys’ Division IV race. West Branch High School’s Kyle Ormiston achieved a personal-best time of 16:37.9, while Hubbard High School’s TJ Arci recorded a time of 16:59.4. These individual successes underscore the importance of dedicated training regimens and the pursuit of personal goals within a team setting.

Division IV Standouts

Trumbull County saw a pair of top-10 finishes from two teams in the Division IV girls’ race. Maplewood was seventh with 232 points, and McDonald came in ninth with 259 points. For the Rockets, Mackenzie Edgar was the top runner with a time of 19:36.3, followed by Melody Richards (19:59.6), Addison Calvert (20:11.8), Kenley Kitzmiller (20:29.5), and Avery Davison (20:38.0). McDonald’s Addison Callow ran 20:01.3, Selah Sheesley posted 20:14.1, Noelle Lytle crossed at 20:57.5, and Ava Binder finished at 21:13.7. The success of these smaller schools demonstrates that athletic excellence isn't limited to larger institutions; dedicated coaching and a strong work ethic can yield impressive results regardless of school size. Many of these runners participate in year-round training programs, demonstrating their commitment to the sport.

Team Achievements and Scores

The Boardman girls took 13th in their race after registering 328 points, led by Olivia Brady’s personal-best time of 18:01.6. Teammates Kealia Bravo (19:36.3) and Haley Bero (19:38.3) also earned top-100 finishes. The Salem girls also earned a top-10 finish in the Division III race, placing ninth with 264 points. Addison Hopple was the top Quaker with an 18:48.2 and a 17th-place finish, while Liliana Pimentel-Alexander and Emily Sinsley both posted top-75 times and personal bests. The points system used in cross country scoring rewards consistency across the entire team, making it crucial for all runners to contribute to the overall score. A strong team dynamic, built on mutual support and encouragement, is often a key factor in achieving success at the state level.

Community Reaction and Support

The performances of these young athletes generated significant excitement and pride within the Mahoning Valley community. Parents, families, and school staff traveled to Fortress Obetz to cheer on the runners, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Social media platforms buzzed with congratulatory messages and shared photos, demonstrating the widespread support for the athletes' efforts. Local news outlets, including the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator, covered the event, highlighting the achievements of the Valley’s runners and celebrating their dedication to the sport. Local businesses often sponsor cross country teams, recognizing the value of youth athletics in building community spirit and promoting healthy lifestyles. The presence of dedicated volunteers who assist with training, fundraising, and transportation is also crucial to the success of these programs.

Looking Ahead for Valley Runners

With the conclusion of the state championships, the focus shifts to the off-season and preparation for next year’s cross country season. Coaches will likely emphasize maintaining fitness levels and identifying areas for improvement. This often involves a combination of running mileage, strength training, and cross-training activities. For the athletes who experienced success at the state level, the challenge will be to build upon that momentum and set even higher goals for the future. The Youngstown City School District and surrounding school districts will continue to provide opportunities for students to participate in athletics and develop their talents. The cross country season typically begins in late summer, with teams participating in regular-season meets leading up to the district and regional championships, which determine qualification for the state meet. The Mahoning Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of youth development and supports initiatives that promote athletic opportunities for young people. The dedication of coaches and volunteers ensures these opportunities remain available to students throughout the Valley.

Closing paragraph: The dedication and achievements of these young runners serve as a source of inspiration for the entire Mahoning Valley community. Their commitment to excellence, coupled with the unwavering support of their families, coaches, and schools, demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of investing in our youth. As they look ahead to future challenges, these athletes carry with them the lessons learned on the track – lessons that will serve them well throughout their lives.