Central Ohio cross country continues to deliver high-level performances as the season hits full stride. The Celtic Clash stood out as the weekend’s marquee event, with elite individual times and deep team competition. Anton Shishlo’s 15:21 confirmed his status as one of the region’s top runners, while Thomas Worthington’s young core and Dublin Jerome’s depth signaled strong postseason potential. Meanwhile, the Central Ohio Invitational, though smaller in scale, showcased emerging talent and solid team execution, highlighted by Hilliard Darby’s dominant 1–2 finish and team title.

Celtic Clash

Individual Champion: Kyle O’Rourke

Team Champion: Dublin Jerome

Make no mistake—the highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Celtic Clash at Dublin Jerome. Hilliard Bradley’s Anton Shishlo emerged as the top Central Ohio competitor, clocking a time of 15:21 and proving that his breakout performance at last week’s McGowan Invitational was no fluke. Behind Shishlo, a trio of runners—each returning next fall—rounded out the top five. Rishi Jha, a junior, and Calvin Watson, a freshman, lead Thomas Worthington as a dynamic duo that will only become more formidable next season. Austin Benedict also placed fourth, with the sophomore showing he has what it takes to compete with the best. In total, 18 athletes broke the 16:00 barrier, with many recording major personal bests.

A few teams stood out in the team category. While Dublin Jerome may no longer have a true No. 1 runner like Charlie Guerrera or Sam Richiutti, they boast a capable trio in Graham Tyler, Ethan Ishida, and Lincoln Kelly—enough to keep them in contention as one of the top teams in the region. Though they aim to peak later in the season, they’re already outperforming strong regional programs such as Thomas Worthington and New Albany. Both of those teams are well-positioned for the future, with this weekend’s results highlighting impressive personal bests from many returning contributors.

Central Ohio Cross Country Invitational 

Individual Champion: Kole Hyer 

Team Champion: Hilliard Darby

Despite a dip in team enrollment, the Central Ohio Cross Country Invitational still delivered some standout performances. Hilliard Darby’s duo of Kole Hyer and Logan Behm finished 1–2, securing the team title with a solid 33 points. Bishop Hartley’s Rowan Smith placed third with a time of 15:47, while Westerville Central’s Corbin Morrisey and Alex Hohman rounded out the top five, propelling their squad to a runner-up finish.

Looking Ahead

As the calendar shifts toward championship season, the focus sharpens on consistency and closing speed. Shishlo’s back-to-back performances position him as a serious contender, while Thomas Worthington and Dublin Jerome look to refine their packs for regional success. Expect continued growth from underclassmen like Calvin Watson and Austin Benedict, whose ceiling remains high. On the team side, Hilliard Darby’s win adds momentum, and Westerville Central’s runner-up finish suggests they’re rapidly improving. With personal bests stacking up and depth emerging across programs, Central Ohio is primed for a compelling postseason run.