Solid Second Place Finish for OGXC Boys
The Oak Glen cross country team set a goal: qualify for the State finals in Ona, WV, this October. At the season-opening Martins Ferry Invitational, they began their quest in a stellar fashion. The Golden Bears finished a strong second place behind powerhouse Purple Riders of Martins Ferry.
Oak Glen was led by an outstanding performance by junior Konnor Allison. Allison sped through the challenging 3.1 mile course in 17:16 for the win. Close behind were teammates Mason Konchar (3rd, 18:11), Nathan Lang (11th, 19:06) and Nick Gallo (27th, 20:24). Newcomers sophomore Kyle Swan and freshman Cody Willey tackled the tough terrain with their trademark long strides, finishing in 25:23 and 25:38 respectively.
Coach Michael Moran stated, “The amount of work these boys did this summer is quite evident. Konnor, the team’s captain, put together a plan and those boys stuck to it. The entire Oak Glen running family and I are thrilled with the prospect of reaching the State finals. I couldn’t ask for a harder-working, more talented group of runners.” The boys’ next meet is at Frankfort High School (9/12).
Oak Glen XC Girls Finish First
Team captain Sophia Arner led her Golden Bears to an overall win at the Martins Ferry Invitational this past Saturday. The race was Oak Glen’s season opener. Arner, a junior, won the race with a time of 21:28, 43 seconds in front of her next competitor. Veterans Kennedy McGeehan and Ava Ross, also juniors, finished 4th and 9th place respectively (22:34 and 23:37) earning Top 10 Finisher trophies. Coach Michael Moran stated, “It was incredible to watch our top three run so strong and in the way Sophia dominated the race. What’s even more exciting is the depth of the team. Like our boys team, our #4 and #5 runners have a lot of talent. Veteran Joey Jones (27th, 26:59) showed exactly what a strong mental attitude can do for you. I couldn’t be more pleased with newcomer Lyndsay Reynolds, who finished in 28:14 for her first-ever race. This win is truly the result of a team effort and I am extremely proud of each of them.” Rounding out the solid finish for the Lady Bears were sophomore veterans Lydia DiBiagio, Hanna Freeman and junior newcomer Kaylee Thrasher. The team travels to Ridgeley, WV, on Saturday for the Frankfort High School Invitational (9/12).
