As the cross-country season reaches its peak, the conference championships across Central Ohio delivered thrilling performances from both seasoned veterans and rising stars. The OCC Ohio Division and Central Catholic League races, in particular, showcased fierce competition for individual titles and intense team battles, with many of these athletes now setting their sights on postseason success. From dominant team displays to nail-biting finishes for individual glory, these championship races highlighted the depth of talent and the promising future of Ohio cross-country.

OCC Ohio Division (Girls)

Individual Champion: Mia Eberhardt

Team Champion: Gahanna Lincoln Lions

In a race that was billed as a showdown between Pickerington North’s Mia Eberhardt and Gahanna Lincoln’s Ruby Lewis, it was Eberhardt who emerged victorious with a time of 18:45, finishing just four seconds ahead of Lewis. Eberhardt’s strong closing surge sealed her win, marking an impressive performance in a tightly contested race. New Albany freshman Kyla Benedict rounded out the top seven, joining Gahanna’s Jillian Gomez as one of two freshmen to earn First Team All-OCC honors.

The team race, however, belonged entirely to the Gahanna Lincoln Lions. With a near-perfect score of 20 points, they placed five runners in the top six, demonstrating remarkable depth. Gahanna’s dominance extended further with eight of the top eleven runners hailing from their squad. Even more daunting for future competitors, all varsity runners will return next season, positioning Gahanna as a continued powerhouse in the division. Their outstanding performance this weekend sets them up as strong contenders for a state berth.

OCC Ohio Division (Boys)

Individual Champion: Mick Temple

Team Champion: Gahanna Lincoln Lions

Mick Temple of Pickerington North defended his title for a third consecutive year, but not without a serious challenge. After leading early, Temple hit a wall and was pushed hard by New Albany’s Marcus Speed and Gahanna Lincoln's Owen Towler. Despite this, Temple dug deep and managed to cross the line first, keeping his undefeated conference streak alive. Speed’s runner-up finish, almost a personal best, has put him firmly on the radar for state qualification. While freshman Austin Benedict of New Albany was not able to hold pace with the top pack, he still holds great promise for the future.

The team race proved much tighter than expected, with Gahanna Lincoln edging out New Albany by only six points. Gahanna’s depth ultimately gave them the edge, securing their first team title in years, though New Albany did have a strong showing behind three First Team All-OCC finishers. With districts looming, Westerville Central, who finished third, will need to strengthen their back-end performances if they hope to qualify for the next round.

Central Catholic League (Girls)

Individual Champion: Annie See

Team Champion: Bishop Watterson Eagles

DeSales senior Annie See took advantage of the absence of freshman phenom Caitlyn Van Zandt to capture her second CCL title with a time of 19:28. With Van Zandt sidelined, See was able to run away from the field. Despite See’s dominance, the real story of the day was Bishop Watterson’s depth, as they placed seven runners in the top ten.

Even without their top runner, the Eagles still easily claimed the team title, led by the pack-running quartet of Cecillia Keller, Natasha Shimp, Addie Reineck, and Alaina Fisher. This depth gives them a strong shot at a state berth, especially if Van Zandt returns this season. With a deep roster capable of competing as a unit, Bishop Watterson remains a team to watch in the weeks ahead.

Central Catholic League (Boys)

Individual Co-Champions: Jacob Reash and Charles Rizek

Team Champion: St. Francis DeSales Stallion

As we predicted, St. Francis DeSales’ dynamic duo, Jacob Reash and Charles Rizek, crossed the finish line side by side as co-champions, evoking memories of the 2021 Watterson finish by Max Latshaw and Cris Kubatko. Their shared victory highlighted the camaraderie and mutual support that have defined their season, a testament to their strength as teammates. This synchronized finish not only capped off their regular season but also set the stage for what promises to be a strong postseason run. Hartley’s Connor Caltrider rounded out the top three, ending his CCL career on a high note, while DeSales senior Ashton Boyd delivered a strong performance, clocking his first sub-16-minute time.

DeSales claimed the team title with ease, as their trio of Reash, Rizek, and Boyd led the way. With this dominant performance, DeSales enters the regional stage as one of the top contenders for a state berth. Bishop Watterson’s boys put up a solid effort but couldn’t match DeSales, though their strong lineup will make them competitive in Division II as the postseason continues.

With the conference championships now in the books, the stage is set for an exciting postseason. Teams like Gahanna Lincoln and Bishop Watterson proved their dominance, while standout individual performances, such as those from Mia Eberhardt and Mick Temple, set the tone for what’s to come. The camaraderie between teammates has also shone brightly, with the duo of Jacob Reash and Charles Rizek exemplifying the power of teamwork as they crossed the finish line side by side. This bond not only reflects their shared success but also symbolizes the unity seen across teams as they support one another through the ups and downs of competition. As district races approach, both seasoned contenders and emerging talents will look to carry their momentum forward, with state qualifications, personal bests, and the strength of their team behind them. The intensity and togetherness seen in these championships are just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling road to the state meet.