By: Kristy Booher Angelo, Associate Athletic Director
For More Info: booherk@gilmour.org
The cross country season may have officially ended at the OHSAA state championship meet on November 2, but that doesn't mean the recognition of Lancer student-athletes has concluded. The News-Herald recently announced its selection of the 2019 boys and girls All Stars. Gilmour was well-represented on the list with three boys and seven girls receiving honors.
Additionally, head coach Matthew Lindley '89 (pictured on the left) was named News-Herald Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year for the ninth time (2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019).
When asked about the personal recognition he received, Lindley was quick to point out the success of the team as a tremendous reason behind the honor. He said, "This is a great honor, though I see it really as an award for the whole team. If it weren't for the hard work and dedication of our athletes, our program would not have the level of success it's had throughout the past two decades," said Lindey.
Bryson Simpson '20 (pictured on the right), a state qualifier, was named to the First Team for his career season, which saw him lead the Lancers with many great finishes. Cole Durdella '20, a regional qualifier, and Scott Vergilii '23, the top freshman on the squad, were both named Honorable Mention.
The female trio of Caitrina Barton '21, Mary Lombardo '22 and Kaitlin Rulison '23, who led the Lancer attack all season, were all named Second Team. Captain Jorja Hlifka '20, whose leadership meant so much to the success of the team, earned Third Team honors. The sophomore triumvirate of Mia Polisena '22, Ava Moe '22 and Nina Padanilam '22, all instrumental in the Lancers run to the state finals for the 10th year in a row, were Honorable Mention selections.
Lancer News-Herald All Stars
Boys
First Team: Bryson Simpson '20
Honorable Mention: Cole Durdella '20, Scott Vergilii '23
Girls
Second Team: Caitrina Barton '21, Mary Lombardo '22, Kaitlin Rulison '23
Third Team: Jorja Hlifka '20
Honorable Mention: Mia Polisena '22, Ava Moe '22, Nina Padanilam '22
Coach of the Year: Matthew Lindley '89
In addition to the News-Herald All Stars, the Academic All-Ohio recipients were announced. On the individual level, Hlifka, Barton, Lombardo, Polisena, Moe and Padanilam were all recognized for their outstanding achievement in the classroom. Qualifications for earning the individual honor include qualifying for the state meet, holding sophomore status or above and having a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher. Overall, the girls cross country team's overall GPA is an impressive 3.92.
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