Girls State Preview (Central Ohio)

As the Ohio state cross-country championships approach, Central Ohio’s elite athletes and teams are ready to showcase their strength on the state stage. This preview highlights the top Central Ohio contenders, led by projected individual standout Brooke Chapman of Olentangy Orange and team favorite Lancaster Golden Gales. While Lancaster and Hilliard Davidson hold top spots in the regional standings, intense competition is expected from other teams and athletes in Central Ohio.

Projected Top Individual Finisher: Brooke Chapman (Olentangy Orange)

Projected Top Team: Lancaster Golden Gales

Two teams stand alone in both the region and the state: the Lancaster Golden Gales and the Hilliard Davidson Wildcats. Based on season averages, these teams are incredibly close—closer than can be fully conveyed. Hilliard Davidson holds an average of 18:26 for the 5,000 meters, while Lancaster averages 18:27.

The regional meet last weekend marked the first matchup between these two Central Ohio powerhouses, with Lancaster defeating Hilliard Davidson by 23 points. However, there was one major caveat: the Wildcats’ usual top scorer and 17:43 runner, Celia Schulte, had an unfortunately timed off day, finishing outside of scoring position. If we adjust her placement to 10th—a finish within her capabilities—Hilliard Davidson would edge out Lancaster by a narrow margin.

Despite this potential outcome, we have a strong feeling Lancaster will clinch the win on Saturday. The Golden Gales have been more consistent throughout the fall and boast a faster low-stick. Regardless, this race will be incredibly close and might be the most intriguing battle across all divisions this weekend.

Outside of these two powerhouses, Dublin Jerome stands as the top Central Ohio team for Saturday’s state championship. With head-to-head wins over every other team in the region, a potential top-five finisher in Natalie Fouts, and a lineup suited for mid-sized fields, the Celtics are well-positioned to make an impact.

Following Jerome, a tight contest is expected between Gahanna Lincoln and Olentangy Orange, with the Pioneers narrowly beating the Lions by one point at Regionals. Olentangy Orange delivered a standout performance last weekend, exceeding expectations. If their low-stick leader Brooke Chapman and the rest of the team can maintain this momentum, the Pioneers have a legitimate shot at a top-10 finish in the team standings.

The final Central Ohio team to qualify for states is Olentangy Liberty. Although they have the potential to place in the top 10, their regional meet performance—aside from frontrunner Elena Aldrink—was underwhelming. A rebound from the Patriots could secure the high finish they’re capable of.

Now, let’s focus on the individual race, where Central Ohio boasts seven of the 14 Ohio athletes who have run sub-18 minutes for 5k this season. The region’s top contender, based on personal bests, is regional champion Brooke Chapman, a junior from Olentangy Orange. Chapman holds a personal best of 17:18 and has defeated each competitor in the region head-to-head.

Lancaster senior Marisa Heil, who took second place at Regionals with a personal best of 17:23, is also a formidable contender. Known for her consistency, Heil has not finished lower than fourth in any meet this season, and while a top-four finish at states is ambitious, it’s not out of reach.

Dublin Jerome junior Natalie Fouts, another strong contender, posted an impressive 17:22 at the Celtic Clash in September. Though she hasn’t consistently dipped under 18 minutes since, her early-season performance highlights her potential.

A key contributor to Olentangy Orange’s success at Regionals was sophomore Bella Conforti, who delivered a clutch fifth-place finish. With a personal best of 17:54, Conforti proved she can rise to the occasion in high-stakes races.

Finally, Hilliard Davidson’s duo of Celia Schulte and Erica Kaulen have consistently been close finishers this season. Their cohesion could prove decisive in the tightly contested team competition, especially if one or both of them break into the top 10.

As the state championship approaches, Central Ohio’s top teams and athletes are poised for a memorable performance. From Brooke Chapman’s individual title aspirations to Dublin Jerome’s battle for team placement, Central Ohio promises to leave a strong impression. Keep an eye on these athletes and teams as they aim for their best on Ohio’s biggest stage.