By: Matt Lindley, Head Coach
For More Info: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director - booherk@gilmour.org
The Lancers traveled to Hebron, Ohio to compete in the OHSAA Division III State Championship against the best runners in the state. Gilmour runners fared very well, racing well and overcoming challenges to finish in the top 10 as a team. This is the 10th consecutive season the Gilmour girls team has finished in the top 10 in the state meet, as well as the 15th time since the 2001 season. It was a fitting end to a season of many successes.
In the girls race, the Lancers lined up against 19 other teams from all over the state. The mood was upbeat and the girls were ready to take on the best. The Lancers went out conservatively, letting the race unfold. At the first mile, Gilmour was 11th, but the girls dug in and began moving up. Many others who had gone out too fast began to fade as the Lancers gained steam. By mile two, GA was up to eighth and improving. Over the last half mile of the race, Gilmour made up more ground than most of the field, finishing just one point from seventh. Heads held high, the girls walked off the course with the knowledge that they all ran superb races. Katilin Rulison '23 capped a stellar freshman season with a 55th-place finish. Mary Lombardo '22 (79th), Jorja Hlifka '20 (85th), Caitrina Barton '21 (98th), Mia Polisena '22 (119th), Ava Moe '22 (166th) and Nina Padanilam '22 (178th) rounded out the scoring for Gilmour, most in career-best or season-best times.
Bryson Simpson '20 was the sole boy to make it down to state. A three-time qualifier, he ran like a veteran. He went out well in the first mile, but stumbled a bit in the woods after a collision. In the spirit of a true veteran, Simpson regrouped over the last mile of the race, moving up about 30 places to finish in 58th place overall. The team will certainly miss his excellence and leadership next year.
#GoGA #WeAreGilmour