The Division I cross country postseason takes on a new look this year, as Saturday, October 25th marks the debut of the “super-region” format. Instead of the traditional district races that once determined which teams advanced, every Division I program will now line up together in a single, all-inclusive regional meet. The updated structure also brings new qualifying standards: the top eight teams will move on to the state championship, and the top 16 individuals not on those teams will qualify as well. With a deeper field and more opportunities to advance, this expanded regional promises one of the most competitive and exciting races of the season.

Predicted Top Five Individual Finishers: Elena Aldrink, Brooke Chapman, Erica Kaulen, Natalie Fouts, Katy Zang

Predicted Team Qualifiers: Gahanna Lincoln, Hilliard Davidson, Olentangy Liberty, Upper Arlington, Lancaster, Teays Valley, Dublin Jerome, Dublin Coffman

Recent Washington University commit and Pickerington Region #1, Elena Aldrink, is the clear choice for the top spot in this year’s regional preview. After opening her season with a win and PR at Celtic Clash, Aldrink has raced only once since, claiming another dominant victory at the conference championship, running 17:11 on a mediocre course. With limited racing on her legs, she comes into regionals fresh, controlled, and ready to put on another performance.

Behind Aldrink stands returning 1600m State Champion Brooke Chapman. While Chapman posted a strong 17:17 earlier this season, she hasn’t come within 30 seconds of that mark recently. However, Chapman is no stranger to postseason breakthroughs- we saw the same pattern last year, where she dropped 30+ seconds between Districts and Regionals. Given her experience and ability to sharpen when it matters, she is a safe pick for the runner-up position.

From there, it’s a toss-up between Dublin Jerome’s Natalie Fouts and Hilliard Davidson’s Erica Kaulen. I’m giving the slight edge to Fouts, considering Kaulen’s top time was recorded at McGowan, a course that may or may not have run short depending on who you ask. Regardless, both have proven they belong among the region’s elite, and this should be one of the most compelling individual battles of the day.

Rounding out the top five is Katy Zang. While her season best of 18:06 may seem modest compared to several sub-18 runners in the field, it’s important not to forget: Zang is one of only two athletes in this field to have ever broken 17:00 in cross country. She also has a point to prove after last year’s regional did not go her way, and she has run a season best in every race so far this fall. Expect her to rise to the moment.

Beyond those five, the region remains deep. Ruby Lewis, Harper Allen, Celia Schulte, Olivia Smeck, and Josie Cox all have the credentials to push into the All-Ohio tier, having broken 18:00 at least once in their careers. Each has high upside and could disrupt the expected order with a strong day.

Additional athletes likely to contend for All-Region honors include: Addison Caudill, Abigail Young, Kate Michael, Jillian Gomez, Mackenzie Kline, Brooke Derringer, Beth Baker, Chelsee Fischer, Bridget Snider, Aubrey Smith, Emma Donovan, and Kyla Benedict. While they may not be top-10 threats, they are critical scoring pieces for several state-contending teams.

Now to the team race. The winner is clear: Gahanna Lincoln. Their top four, Ruby Lewis, Olivia Smeck, Abigail Young, and Jillian Gomez, are unmatched statewide, with the slowest PR among them being 18:19. That alone is better than many teams’ #1. Combine that with a sub-20 #7 runner, and their depth is simply overwhelming. They are favored not just to win the region, but also the state meet.

Hilliard Davidson should comfortably finish as regional runner-up. Erica Kaulen leads the way, with Celia Schulte, Mackenzie Kline, Gemma Pusateri, and Laken Wenclewicz forming one of the more reliable top-fives in the state. While it’s easy to fly under the radar with Gahanna’s dominance, the Wildcats are quietly looking to repeat as state runner-up. 

Olentangy Liberty slots in behind them with a standout trio led by Elena Aldrink, who provides a single point, backed by strong efforts from Bridget Snider and Kate Boettcher. Their remaining varsity runners all hold PRs under 19:40, giving them the reliability needed on a big-meet stage.

The remaining state-qualifying spots should go to: Upper Arlington, Lancaster, Teays Valley, Dublin Jerome, and Dublin Coffman. Each brings a defining strength:

UA: a scoring duo in Cox and Baker.

Lancaster: Allen and Derringer at the front.

Teays Valley: a strong, cohesive top four led by Katy Zang.

Jerome: a true #1 low stick in Fouts.

Coffman: depth and stability led by Donovan and Crabtree.

All five teams are capable not only of advancing, but of making noise at the state meet.

Saturday’s race will be defined by depth, poise, and postseason experience. With a clear favorite up front and tight battles throughout the scoring positions, every move on the course will carry real implications for who advances and who does not. By the end of the morning, eight teams and 16 individuals will have earned their place at the state championship, and this region has the talent to make sure every one of those spots is well deserved.