The Division I girls state championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive races of the weekend. With several of the state’s top-ranked individuals and powerhouse Central Ohio programs all converging on Obetz, the potential for fast times and tight team battles is sky-high. Expect a mix of breakout performances and veteran poise from some of the best runners in the country.

Top 5 Individual Finisher Projections: Elena Aldrink, Katy Zang, Kaitlyn Reese, Brooke Chapman, Natalie Fouts

Top 3 Individual Team Projections: Gahanna Lincoln, Hilliard Davidson, Olentangy Liberty

Olentangy Liberty senior Elena Aldrink has been on a tear this season, and don’t expect her to slow down anytime soon. She’s been undefeated so far, even defeating Division II favorite Sophia Szolosi, another one of the best runners in the country, in a head-to-head matchup. After cruising to a win at last week’s regional meet, she’s poised to throw down a very fast time at the state meet. Watch for her to get out hard and never look back, dominating the rest of the field. The real question may be how fast she’ll run given the ideal racing conditions expected on Saturday.

After coming back from a crushing injury from last cross country season, Teays Valley senior Katy Zang has found her groove once again. She finished as the runner-up at last week’s Region 2 meet, proving she’s back among the state’s elite after an up-and-down regular season. While it will be difficult for her to hang with Aldrink, she’s likely to go out with her and could be pulled along to another blazing time, possibly even challenging for the win if things break her way.

Behind the two front-runners is a deep and talented field that includes Avon’s Kaitlyn Reese, Olentangy Orange’s Brooke Chapman, Lakota East’s Molly Deardorff, Hilliard Davidson’s Erica Kaulen, Dublin Jerome’s Natalie Fouts, Strongsville’s Hannah Jicha, and Lancaster’s Harper Allen. Each has the experience and fitness to contend for a top-five finish, with Reese, Chapman, and Fouts standing out as potential surprises to watch.

Central Ohio depth will again be on full display with several more runners expected to finish All-Ohio. That group includes Gahanna Lincoln’s Ruby Lewis, Olivia Smeck, Abigail Young, and Jillian Gomez; Licking Heights’ Addison Caudill; Upper Arlington’s Josie Cox and Beth Baker; Hilliard Davidson’s Mackenzie Kline and Celia Schulte; Lancaster’s Brooke Derringer; Teays Valley’s Reese Galinger; and Hilliard Bradley’s Chelsee Fischer. Each is projected to finish within the top 30 and could play a key role in the team scoring.

The Central Ohio dominance continues in the team race, where Gahanna Lincoln, Hilliard Davidson, and Olentangy Liberty are all poised to battle for the top three spots. Gahanna enters as the favorite, led by one of the strongest front fours the state has seen in recent years, giving them both firepower and depth to secure a state title. Even if one runner has an off day, their depth ensures they remain in control.

Hilliard Davidson should claim runner-up honors thanks to a strong trio in Erica Kaulen, Celia Schulte, and Mackenzie Kline, each capable of finishing All-Ohio. Their experience from last year’s runner-up finish makes them a serious threat once again. Olentangy Liberty looks like a solid bet for third, with state title favorite Aldrink supported by consistent scorers Bridget Snider and Katie Boettcher, and impressive overall depth.

Upper Arlington and Teays Valley are also teams to keep an eye on. Both have front duos capable of cutting down point totals significantly. While their depth toward the back of the varsity lineup is a concern, a few breakout performances could propel either squad into the top five team standings.

With multiple state title contenders, deep Central Ohio representation, and several teams capable of making the podium, this year’s Division I girls race could be one for the record books. Expect fast times, fierce battles for All-Ohio honors, and a display of the region’s incredible depth from start to finish.