Week of 9/20 Boys' Race Recap

This past weekend was packed with thrilling cross country action, as athletes from across the region stepped up in some of the season’s most competitive meets so far. From fast early-season times to deep team battles, the competition proved that the road to championship season is heating up quickly. At the center of the excitement was the Bob Reall Invitational, which once again delivered a showcase of top-tier talent, highlighted by standout performances from Westerville North and Hilliard Darby that set the tone for what looks to be a highly competitive fall.

Lancaster Bob Reall Invitational

Team Champion: Westerville North

Individual Champion: Holden Gray

The Bob Reall Invitational did not disappoint on the individual side, as runners pushed through quick early splits and closed with strong finishes. Leading the charge was Holden Gray of Westerville North, who clocked an impressive 15:34 to take the individual title. Close behind, Kole Hyer of Hilliard Darby crossed in 15:43, showing grit down the final stretch. Other sub-16 performances included Casey Carlos of Westerville North in 15:47, Logan Behm of Hilliard Darby in 15:56, and Anton Shishlo of Hilliard Bradley, who rounded out the top Central Ohio finishers with a solid 15:59.

On the team side, the battle for the top spot was intense. Westerville North finished a close second overall, earning the top Central Ohio placement behind the highly ranked Woodridge squad. Not far behind, Hilliard Darby tallied 103 points, anchored by strong performances from its top three runners. Olentangy Berlin and Gahanna Lincoln rounded out the Central Ohio contenders, finishing with 154 and 198 points, respectively—further proof that the invitational featured not only standout individuals but also some of the deepest squads in the region.

Pickerington Central Tiger Invitational

Team Champion: Delaware Hayes

Individual Champion: Grant Hamilton

Elsewhere, the Pickerington Central Tiger Invitational brought together regional teams including Delaware Hayes, New Albany, Worthington Kilbourne, Canal Winchester, Bexley, Big Walnut, and Westerville South. Canal Winchester senior standout Grant Hamilton claimed the individual title in 15:59—an impressive time on a challenging course. New Albany’s Austin Benedict followed in second with a strong 16:08, while Willis-Guard Batchelder rounded out the top three.

Delaware Hayes carried their momentum into the team race, securing the victory with 56 points behind key contributions from Tyler Stricker, Aidan Green, and Aaron Maus, edging out quality programs like New Albany and Worthington Kilbourne.

As the season moves into its middle stretch, the performances at Bob Reall and beyond set the stage for what promises to be an exciting build-up to conference and postseason competition. Teams like Westerville North and Hilliard Darby look poised for serious runs, while standout individuals continue to raise the bar each week. If this weekend was any indication, the weeks ahead will bring even faster times, tighter races, and plenty more storylines across the Ohio cross country scene.