Two meets, two standout performances, and a whole lot of momentum heading into the heart of the season. The Celtic Clash at Dublin Jerome delivered elite times and deep team strength, while the Central Ohio Invitational showcased rising talent and tight competition. From Elena Aldrink’s national-caliber win to Gahanna Lincoln’s team title, the weekend was a reminder that Ohio’s cross country scene is heating up fast.

Celtic Clash

Individual Champion: Elena Aldrink

Team Champion: Gahanna Lincoln

One of the largest and fastest meets of the season, the Celtic Clash at Dublin Jerome High School, certainly didn’t disappoint. Olentangy Liberty’s Elena Aldrink took the win in dominant fashion, continuing her undefeated streak this season. Her time of 16:55 ranks among the fastest in the country, joining Mick Temple in representing the area on a national level. Beyond Aldrink, there were several other standout performances—Natalie Fouts and Erica Kaulen both broke 17:30, while Gahanna Lincoln placed three runners in the top eight, each running 18:05 or faster. In total, 21 girls broke the 19:00 barrier, underscoring the depth and quality of the field.

On the team side, Gahanna Lincoln continues to assert itself as the top squad in the state. The trio of Ruby Lewis, Abigail Young, and Olivia Smeck led the charge, with Jillian Gomez and Dylan Yost rounding out the scoring five. Olentangy Liberty and Bishop Watterson also delivered strong team performances at the Clash, showing promising upside as the postseason approaches.

Central Ohio Cross Country Invitational 

Individual Champion: Kyla Benedict 

Team Champion: Bishop Hartley

While not the largest meet, the Central Ohio Cross Country Invitational still produced competitive results. Kyla Benedict claimed the individual title, with Georgia Speelman finishing a close second. Bishop Hartley secured the team championship with 55 points, capping off a solid day of racing.

Looking Ahead

With postseason meets on the horizon, all eyes turn to how top individuals and teams will carry this momentum forward. Elena Aldrink remains undefeated and looks poised for a deep run at the state level, while Gahanna Lincoln continues to build its case as the team to beat. Bishop Hartley’s win at the Central Ohio Invitational signals growing depth, and Olentangy Liberty and Bishop Watterson are trending upward. Expect fast times and fierce battles as the calendar flips toward championship season.