Addie won the D-III race in 17:36.8 and Bridget was second in 18:38.8. The district title was the second straight for Addie and the first for Bridget, who finished fifth last season. Both qualified for next week’s regional championships in Troy on Saturday.
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“I wasn’t expecting it, no,” Bridget said. “I did a lot better than I thought I would.”
Bridget has found her stride as she comes down the home stretch of her senior season. She finished 20th as a freshman and 49th as a sophomore before cracking the top five last year.
“It’s a lot of fun, especially since we have such a small team, it’s fun racing together,” Addie said.
The Engels were the only runners for the Irish on Saturday.
“I’m very happy and excited for Bridget,” Catholic Central coach Kelly Rodriguez said. “She’s come a long way this season. They’re both very talented so it’s not surprising.”
West Liberty-Salem placed five girls among the top 12 overall to win the D-III team title. Sophomore Megan Adams (18:59.18) finished third, senior Grace Adams (19:09.10) was fifth, junior Katelyn Stapleton (19:34.70) was sixth, junior Madison Bahan (19:46.90) was seventh and senior Lydia Moell (20:16.45) was 12th.
West Liberty-Salem scored 22 points to top fellow district champ Fort Loramie’s 42 points. The Tigers are ranked No. 3 in the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country coaches poll, while the Redskins are No. 2. Minster holds the state’s top spot.
Addie’s winning time set the district course record and gave her four of the top six times since the meet moved to Cedarville in 2016. Stapleton held the previous course best with 18:48.57 in 2017.
“That’s really crazy to me,” Addie said of her district times. “I didn’t believe I’d be able to do that. Honestly, I didn’t have a time in mind. I just wanted to race it for fun. Enjoy it.”
In D-I girls, Tecumseh senior Kylee Mastin finished 13th overall to advance to next week’s regional championships.
In D-II boys, West Liberty-Salem and Greenon both qualified as teams. Northwestern senior Drew Blazer, Shawnee senior Alex Dyar and Shawnee sophomore Jordyn Dillavou advanced as individuals.
In D-II girls, Shawnee moved on as a team. Northwestern seniors Kassidy Carpenter and Jenna Cleland, Graham senior Holly Kamper and Greenon freshman Tru Buddenberg also advanced.
In D-III boys, Cedarville earned a district title – as did Indians junior Ethan Wallis – as both finished second overall to advance. Emmanuel Christian Academy sophomore Jacob Kittles also qualified.
In D-III girls, West Liberty-Salem and Cedarville both qualified. Northeastern freshman Annie Horton and Yellow Springs freshman Cheyan Sundell-Tur also qualified for the regional meet.
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