PICKERINGTON, Ohio – It was a historic day for the Minerva Lions Varsity Cross Country program at the OHSAA Division Three Regional Championships held at Pickerington High School. The Minerva Boys team captured their first-ever regional championship in school history, while the Girls team secured a Regional Runner-Up finish and their 11th consecutive trip to the State meet.
The Minerva Boys dominated the field, scoring 72 points. They were led by four runners finishing in the top 12, outpacing runner-up Fairless (112 points) and third-place Fairfield Union (125 points).
The Girls team, the defending OHSAA State Champions, continued their incredible dynasty. They finished as Regional Runner-Up with 121 points, placing just behind champions Tusky Valley (114 points). Northmor rounded out the top three with 191 points. The qualification marks an incredible 11th straight year the team has advanced to the State Championship.
Beavers Sets New School Record
The day was punctuated by a dazzling individual performance. Junior Makenzie Beavers finished 3rd overall, setting a new Minerva High School record with a blazing time of 18:27. She breaks the previous record set in 2017 by her coach, Mackenzie Scott.
Lions Pack the Top Spots
The boys' historic victory was a true team effort, led by senior Rowen Hoffee, who placed 5th and became a two-time individual state qualifier. He was followed by a tight pack of teammates: senior Owen Yoder (10th, 1st individual qualification), standout freshman Anderson Scott (11th, becoming only the 2nd freshman in school history to qualify individually), and sophomore Tyson Fetty (12th, 1st individual qualification).
The team's scoring was rounded out by Fox Johnson (46th), Brady First (55th), and Kaden Knappenberger (84th).
On the girls' side, Beavers (3rd) and sophomore Tateum Richard (4th) led the charge, both securing their second individual state qualifications. Freshman Charlie Galley (23rd) and sophomore Addison Keyser (32nd, 1st individual qualification) provided the crucial scores to secure the runner-up trophy. Also running well for the Lions were Chloe Carson (72nd), Taylor McGeorge (82nd), and Callie Yeagley (120th).
Dreaming Big for State
Head Coach Olivia Scott was thrilled with the results.
"I am incredibly proud of both teams," Scott said. "The boys ran lights out, making school history with our first-ever regional championship. Rowan Hoffee has been such a great leader, and all the boys have stepped up and followed his lead. It was our best race of the year."
Scott also praised the girls' consistency and grit. "The girls were outstanding, continuing our long tradition of qualifying to state for 11 straight years. I am so happy for Makenzie, breaking the school record. Both teams have a great shot to be in the top three at the state meet. We are dreaming big and can't wait for next week."
Both teams will compete for a State Championship next Saturday at Fortress Obetz in Columbus. The girls compete at 11:50 AM, followed by the boys at 12:30 PM.