The 2024 OCC Cross Country Championships showcased some of the best talent in the region, with standout performances from both teams and individuals across the Cardinal and Buckeye Divisions. Despite challenging weather conditions, athletes rose to the occasion, delivering personal bests and exciting races. On the girls' side, pre-race favorites like Natalie Fouts and Katy Zang lived up to their high expectations, while on the boys' side, athletes like Charlie Guerrera and Brock Jarrett made headlines with their victories. Both Dublin Jerome and Lancaster solidified their dominance by claiming team titles in both divisions, setting the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.

OCC Cardinal Division (Girls)

Individual Champion: Natalie Fouts

Team Champion: Dublin Jerome Celtics

As expected, Natalie Fouts dominated the race, securing the individual title with an impressive time of 17:59, finishing 36 seconds ahead of the next closest competitor, Lainey Fouth of Thomas Worthington. In a surprise performance, Marguerite Foust from Marysville took third place, upsetting several top-ranked runners in the region. Foust was one of only three athletes in the division to break the 19-minute mark. Despite the challenging heat, many athletes achieved personal records, highlighting the depth of talent in the division.

Dublin Jerome not only had the fastest individual but also clinched the team title with a commanding 32-point finish. Sisters Hellen and Jillian Randolph delivered key performances, finishing fourth and fifth, solidifying Jerome's victory. This strong team is expected to continue their impressive form into the postseason. Marysville, led by Foust’s breakout performance, claimed the runner-up team spot.

OCC Cardinal Division (Boys)

Individual Champion: Charlie Guerrera 

Team Champion: Dublin Jerome Celtics

Charlie Guerrera, the pre-race favorite, lived up to expectations with a commanding victory, crossing the line in 15:39. Mulu Ferguson, rebounding from his performance at the Les Eisenhart Invitational, finished second, defeating some of the top runners in the region, including Ethan Ishida. Ferguson was the only non-Dublin Jerome runner in the top five, with Hilliard Darby’s duo securing the remaining first-team spots.

Much like their girls' team, Dublin Jerome's boys dominated the team standings, with four of the top five finishers representing the Celtics. Ethan Ishida, Caden McClure, and Lincoln Kelly backed up Guerrera’s individual win, securing the team title. In a closely contested battle for the runner-up position, Hilliard Darby edged out Thomas Worthington by eight points, led by strong performances from Logan Behm and Kole Hyer. Darby now looks to carry this momentum into the postseason with aspirations for a state qualification.

OCC Buckeye Division (Girls)

Individual Champion: Katy Zang 

Team Champion: Lancaster Golden Gales

In Teays Valley’s first year in the OCC Buckeye Division, Katy Zang—one of the top female runners in the nation—delivered a commanding victory. She secured the individual title with a remarkable time of 17:14, especially impressive given the hot and dry conditions. Close behind was Marisa Heil, who ran a personal best of 17:44, earning second place. Rounding out the top three was Heil’s teammate, Harper Allen, finishing over a minute later and becoming the only runner in the division to clock a time in the 18-minute range.

On the team side, Lancaster dominated the race with an impressive score of 26 points, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the state. Teays Valley, led by Zang’s strong performance, finished as runner-up, 25 points behind Lancaster, bolstered by a solid showing from their second runner, Reese Galinger.

OCC Buckeye Division (Boys)

Individual Champion: Brock Jarrett

Team Champion: Lancaster Golden Gales

In the only upset of this article, Brock Jarrett pulled off a surprise victory, defeating the pre-race favorite Grant Hamilton to win the individual title with a time of 16:24. Hamilton finished just five seconds behind Jarrett, securing second place. The rest of the field was less competitive, with only two other runners managing to break the 17-minute mark.

Although not as dominant as in previous seasons, the Lancaster boys still earned the team title with a score of 33 points. Pickerington Central gave a challenge, but their chances were hindered by their fifth runner, who finished outside the top 25, preventing a closer contest.

These races provided thrilling races and remarkable individual and team performances, confirming the depth of talent across the region. From Natalie Fouts' and Katy Zang’s dominant victories to the impressive team showings by Dublin Jerome and Lancaster, the athletes proved why they are among the best in the state. Surprising upsets, personal records, and fierce competition highlighted this year’s event, setting the stage for an exciting postseason. As teams and individuals carry this momentum forward, the road to state championships promises to be one to watch.