Juniors Megan Adams and Dylan Lauck led the Big Orange pack attack in the 5K (3.1-mile) race. Adams won the girls meet in 19 minutes, 4.6 and Lauck finished first in 16:49.4 for the boys.
Last season’s Schul Invitational had 346 boys and 190 girls in the small-school divisions. The fields were trimmed to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Masks were mandatory on site. Social distancing between teams took place both at the start and at the finish. Starting boxes were spaced further apart compared to previous meets. Runners were immediately guided to designated team areas once crossing the finish line. Spectators were not permitted at this year’s meet.
“We were so thankful for the opportunity to race today,” WL-S girls coach Ann Vogel said. “(Milton-Union coach Mike) Meredith and the Milton-Union athletic department did an outstanding job of putting together a meet that was safe and fun for the runners. This is a competitive group and it was fun to finally mix it up with other teams. We have a lot of room for improvement, but the hard work this team has put in during the off-season was definitely evident today.”
In the girls race, Adams was followed by freshman Addison McAuley (second), senior Katelyn Stapleton (fourth), freshman Ashley Yoder (sixth), senior Madison Bahan (seventh), junior Madilyn Weaver (ninth) and freshmen Lily Smith (13th) and Taylor Kennedy (14th).
McAuley won a Division III junior high state championship last season to pace a team title, too.
The Big Orange girls scored 20 points to beat runner-up Botkins’ 64 points.
If the boys needed additional inspiration prior to their race, that was it. The teams enjoy challenging each other in a back-and-forth, good-natured rivalry.
“If they win a meet we’ve got to win a meet,” Lauck said. “They’re going to be something this year. They’re good.”
The boys scored 30 points to beat Botkins’ 49. Lauck was followed by junior Tate Yoder (second), senior Josh Spinner (sixth), senior Hayden Kennedy (13th), sophomore Owen Harrison (15th), sophomore Michael Jones (22nd) and junior Ayden Estep.
“I miss the competition with all the 300-something runners that were here last year,” Lauck said. “The big meets are always better. But this is a fantastic race. … The Bob Schul is one of the best meets in the state. It’s fantastic every year.”
Lauck’s biggest challenge came from Yoder, who finished in 16:58.8. Lauck and Yoder were the only small-school boys runners to post sub-17 minute finishes.
“He’s a beast. I wouldn’t be where I am without my teammates,” Lauck said.
As for Yoder, he struggled running cross country in the seventh grade and dedicated himself to improving for the next season. Yoder finished eight at last season’s Schul meet, one spot behind Lauck.
“It was kind of amazing,” Yoder said of his leap. “I wanted to improve myself. … I was trying to catch up to my teammate.”
He nearly did Saturday.
Also on Saturday, Shawnee junior Audrey DeSantis led the Braves with a fourth-place finish. Junior Tessa Holcomb also posted a top-25 effort. The girls finished fifth out of eight teams.
Junior Jordyn Dillavou led the boys in 23rd and freshman Jonah Kiess was 26th. The boys placed sixth out of 10 teams.
About the Author