Girls Regional Recap

With regional competition wrapped up, the field for the OHSAA State Championships is officially set. Central Ohio athletes made a strong statement across both Region 1 and Region 3, battling through deep fields and unpredictable race dynamics to earn their spots in Columbus. From tactical showdowns to record-breaking performances, the weekend delivered no shortage of drama.

Region 1 Breakdown: The OHSAA made some puzzling decisions regarding district placement, resulting in four qualifiers per event from the Central District being sent to the Northeast Ohio regional. Despite the odd alignment, Central Ohio represented well.

In the 4x800, Lancaster took home the district title, while Olentangy Berlin placed third to secure an automatic state qualifying berth. The 1600 saw the Lancaster duo of Marisa Heil and Harper Allen both advance to states, with Heil also qualifying in the 3200. Additional Central Ohio qualifiers included Elliana Alonso in the 800, Katy Zang in the 3200, and Ruby Lewis in the 3200.

Region 3 Breakdown:

4x800

State Qualifiers: Hilliard Davidson, Dublin Coffman, Olentangy Liberty, Dublin Jerome

As expected, Hilliard Davidson won the regional title in a commanding 9:09. Behind them, Dublin Coffman and Olentangy Liberty battled for the runner-up spot, with Coffman edging them out in 9:17 and Liberty close behind at 9:20. Dublin Jerome claimed the final qualifying spot. Unfortunately, Olentangy Orange and Hilliard Darby just missed the mark and fell short of wild card qualification.

1600

State Qualifiers: Brooke Chapman, Natalie Fouts, Minori Hudson, Erica Kaulen

This race was one of the most exciting of the day. After a tactical start, the final lap saw a fierce battle among four elite runners. Brooke Chapman, Natalie Fouts, Minori Hudson, and Erica Kaulen separated themselves and all finished under the 5:00 mark to secure automatic state qualification. Just missing out were Sydney Hammack and Elsa Tonnessen, who came up short of the wild card times.

800

State Qualifiers: Celia Schulte, Sydney Stevenson, Bridget Snider, Brooke Chapman, Abbie McBrearty

Celia Schulte delivered yet another dominant performance, winning the regional title and breaking the OHSAA record with a blazing 2:06.82. Sydney Stevenson ran an impressive 2:11.25 to finish second. Behind them, Bridget Snider, Brooke Chapman, and Abbie McBrearty all finished within half a second of each other around 2:15. McBrearty placed fifth but secured the only girls’ distance wild card spot from Region 3.

3200

State Qualifiers: Natalie Fouts, Maggie Foust, Erica Kaulen, Bella Conforti

The 3200 brought the day’s biggest surprise. After a blistering start, last year’s state champion Elena Aldrink began to fade with two to three laps remaining. Natalie Fouts took over the lead, and with 150 meters to go, Aldrink was still clinging to second. However, fatigue finally caught up to her, and she was passed by Maggie Foust and Erica Kaulen with 50 meters left. Bella Conforti then edged her out at the line for the final qualifying spot. It was a heartbreaking end for Aldrink, but the rising senior will have another chance at redemption next year.

As we turn the page to the state meet, Central Ohio will be sending a talented and resilient group of athletes—many of whom overcame adversity and stiff competition to get here. If regionals were any indication, expect these runners to make some serious noise on the biggest stage of the season.