Area grad wins Ohio State’s first Big Ten cross country title

Engel, a Catholic Central High School graduate, won the 6,000-meter women’s race in 20 minutes flat to beat runner-up Katie Osika of Michigan State by 4.6 seconds.

“It means so much,” Engel told Big Ten Network. “It’s honestly kind of shock still. I’m really appreciative to have the opportunity.”

Engel was joined on the all-conference first team by teammates Daniella Santos (fourth, 20:15.8) and Andrea Kuhn (sixth, 20:18.7). The 22nd-ranked Buckeyes totaled 104 points to finish fourth in the team standings behind Michigan State (78), Michigan (86) and Wisconsin (94).

Engel has finished first or second in each of the five races she’s run this fall. She’s been the Big Ten’s Athlete of the Week in women’s cross country three times this season.

Last year, Engel became the ninth NCAA individual qualifier in program history. She also was first team, All-Big Ten and Great Lakes All-Region.

At Catholic Central, Engel was a four-time state cross country qualifier and won the Division III state title in 2019. She won state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 runs in 2019 at the state track meet.