The OCC Championship meets are set to deliver some of the most competitive racing of the season, as top teams and individuals battle for conference supremacy across all five divisions. From powerhouse programs like Gahanna Lincoln and Hilliard Davidson to breakout stars such as Elena Aldrink and Natalie Fouts, this weekend’s races will serve as both a preview of postseason form and a statement of dominance heading into the regional stage.

OCC Buckeye Division

Predicted Individual Champion: Katy Zang

Predicted Team Champion: Lancaster

This should be a fun one. Realistically, there are two individuals vying for the conference title: Teays Valley’s Katy Zang and Lancaster’s Harper Allen. Ironically, they are slated to be teammates at Indiana University next fall, but for now, they’ll be opponents on the grass. Allen has the fastest personal best this season, while Zang owns the fastest personal best overall. It’ll be neck and neck, but I think Zang will return to form and capture the victory. Outside of those two, other names to watch for first-team all-conference honors include Brooke Derringer, Reese Galinger, Addison Keplar, and Peyton Hughey, all with personal bests ranging from 18:20–19:05.

The team battle is likely a toss-up between three teams: Lancaster, Teays Valley, and Canal Winchester. Lancaster won the state title last year, giving them a strong postseason edge that I think will propel them to the team title. However, Teays Valley could absolutely steal the crown if they get more from their fifth runner. On paper, their top four runners are first-team all-conference caliber, but their fifth currently scores 27 points, which is detrimental to their total. If any of Kate Charter, Julie Charter, or Khloe Maxwell can step up, Teays Valley has a great shot at winning. Canal Winchester sits on the outside looking in, with a tight 1–5 spread but not many frontrunners. This balance will bode well in larger races like regionals, but it won’t help much in smaller meets like conferences.

OCC Capital Division

Predicted Individual Champion: Cali Kent

Predicted Team Champion: Big Walnut Eagles

This division isn’t as deep as the previous one, but it should still be an interesting race to watch. Only one runner in the conference has broken 19 minutes this season, Delaware Hayes’ recent Purdue Fort Wayne commit, Cali Kent, who should run away with the victory. Behind her, a mix of Grace Buskirk, Leighton Coey, Katelyn Hogenbirk, Sofie Loftin, Alexa Fell, and Evelyn Cavin will vie for first-team all-conference honors.

The team battle will come down to two teams: Big Walnut and Westerville South. Each team has a similar makeup, so it could go either way. While Big Walnut has a stronger 1–2 punch in Buskirk and Coey, Westerville South’s trio of Hogenbirk, Loftin, and Zappin keeps them within striking distance. I’ll go with Big Walnut to edge out Westerville South for the win, but don’t be surprised if it goes the other way.

OCC Ohio Division

Predicted Individual Champion: Ruby Lewis

Predicted Team Champion: Gahanna Lincoln

The prevailing narrative of this division lies in Gahanna Lincoln’s dominance, with the Lady Lions projected to score a whopping 20 points, a near-perfect score. They currently sit as the top team in the state, thanks to an incredible group of four runners: Ruby Lewis, Olivia Smeck, Abigail Young, and Jillian Gomez, all with personal bests under 18:20. They’re backed by three more sub-20 runners, Dylan Yost, Charlotte Schwemlein, and Rachel Ille, showing they have the depth to compete at the highest level.

Outside of Gahanna, a couple of runners could break up the field: New Albany’s Kyla Benedict and Pickerington North’s Payton Butterfield. Benedict has a strong personal best of 18:35, while Butterfield sits just above the 19-minute barrier. Neither of their teams is particularly deep, which won’t bode well for regionals, but at least one will walk away with conference runner-up honors. I’d give the edge to Pickerington North.

OCC Cardinal Division

Predicted Individual Champion: Natalie Fouts

Predicted Team Champion: Dublin Jerome

This division features one star runner and a whole lot of depth. Syracuse commit Natalie Fouts has been on an absolute tear this season, finishing top four in every race she’s run while lowering her personal best to a blistering 17:24. She has the fastest personal best in the field by over 80 seconds, so the individual title should be a walk in the park. Outside of Fouts, there’s a large group of runners in the 19-minute range. Georgia Speelman, Emma Styn, Elena Wanek, and Lyla Channell should be battling for the runner-up spot, while about 10 more runners who have broken 20 minutes will compete for first-team all-conference honors.

The team battle shouldn’t be much of a contest, with Dublin Jerome expected to cruise to the team title. Their core of Fouts, Styn, Ella Wynk, and Abbie McBrearty ranks among the best in the region and should lead them to a dominant conference performance. Runner-up honors could go to any of Thomas Worthington, Marysville, or Olentangy, who all have solid squads.

OCC Central Division

Predicted Individual Champion: Elena Aldrink

Predicted Team Champion: Hilliard Davidson

This one is shaping up to be the race of the weekend. Loaded with star power and quality teams, the Central Division is sure to produce exciting results. Top runners in the conference include Washington commit Elena Aldrink, who remains undefeated this season, NC State commit Brooke Chapman, Youngstown State commit Erica Kaulen, and Furman commit Celia Schulte. While Chapman, Kaulen, and Schulte all have the ability to challenge Aldrink, I don’t foresee anyone defeating her in her current form. Other notable individuals in this race include Josie Cox, Mackenzie Kline, Beth Baker, Emma Donovan, and Bridget Snider, all of whom have run 18:30 or faster.

The team battle will come down to two contenders: Hilliard Davidson and Olentangy Liberty. Davidson was the state runner-up last season, positioning them well to succeed in this conference race. However, they’ve looked vulnerable at times this year, which Liberty can capitalize on. Liberty’s incredible depth and pack-running ability give them a real chance to push for an upset. While not quite in the mix for the title, Upper Arlington is also an excellent team that looks poised to qualify for the state meet this season.

With titles, bragging rights, and postseason momentum on the line, the OCC Championships promise fast times and thrilling finishes across the board. Expect established stars to shine, underdogs to emerge, and several teams to make their final push before the road to Regionals officially begins.