Guys Action From Around the State

Data as of: 10/09/2024

As we approach the postseason, Ohio’s male cross country runners are turning heads with national-caliber performances across the state. From the local Berlin Bear Den Dash to Louisville's highly competitive Trinity/Valkyrie Invitational, standout teams and individuals are delivering impressive results. With major events like Nike Cross Regionals, Foot Locker Regionals, and Running Lane Nationals on the horizon, Ohio’s best are gearing up to represent their state—and the Midwest—on the national stage.

This article highlights the teams and individuals from Ohio outside of Central Ohio’s D1 “Pickerington”Region, providing a broader look at the talent across the state. As we continue to expand our coverage, we're excited to shine a spotlight on Ohio’s top runners and the depth of talent throughout the Buckeye State.

At the Berlin Bear Dash, two of Ohio’s Division 3 stars, Will Baker and Luke Snyder, stole the show. Going head-to-head with top Division 1 runners from across the state, Baker and Snyder posted outstanding times of 14:57 and 15:05, finishing first and second, respectively. Baker's win extended his undefeated season, while the event produced five of the top 15 times run in Ohio this season. Among the top 10 finishers were Anthony Clark of Perrysburg (15:16), Samuel Darmanie of Springboro (15:16), and David D’altorio of Boardman (15:33). The Bear Dash continues to attract elite talent, making it a premier meet in Ohio's regular season.

Meanwhile, Ohio's top distance runners made waves at the Trinity/Valkyrie Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky, one of the most competitive meets in the Midwest. Ohio athletes dominated, with Alex Bruns taking the overall win in 14:39, which ranks him in the top 10 fastest 5K times in the country this year. Bruns, along with Landon Kimmel (14:46) and Luke Snyder (14:55), account for Ohio’s only sub-15-minute performances so far this season. Rounding out Ohio’s top quartet was Kasem Kaheal, who ran a 15:10, positioning himself as a contender for the state title. With such strong performances, these athletes will be ones to watch as they vie for national qualifying spots in postseason races.

Another name to note is Division 2 power house Fairfield Union's Andrew Walton, Ohio’s top returner from last year’s Nike Cross Regional. Walton had an outstanding junior season, winning 10 of his 13 races, and is well-positioned to make another run at qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals after finishing 8th in the region last year. As the second-fastest returner in the Midwest, Walton is a strong contender for one of the coveted national qualifying spots.

On the team side, St. Xavier from Cincinnati is currently ranked as Ohio’s top squad, led by individual star Alex Bruns. They are the only team in the state with all five scorers under the 16-minute mark. Other top contenders for the state title include Beavercreek, Centerville, Little Miami, Hudson, and Mason, all of whom boast deep packs with fifth runners finishing under 16:21. Nationally, St. Xavier, Hudson, Little Miami, and Mason are expected to challenge for a Nike Cross Regional qualifying spot, joining Dublin Jerome as Ohio’s best hopes for a national berth. With the Midwest regional meet held at the renowned Lavern Gibson course in Terre Haute, Indiana, Ohio’s teams will face the nation’s best, but this year’s talent suggests the state might finally break its long drought of sending a team to nationals. 

Ohio cross country is on the rise, and as the postseason heats up, the Buckeye State’s best are ready to make their mark on the national stage.