The Bobcat Girls Cross Country team won its first Conference Championship since 2006 by clinching the NLL Cardinal Division title on Saturday at BGSU. Amid the adverse weather conditions, the girls distanced themselves from Cardinal Division rival Sylvania Southview early in the race and never looked back. Placing 6 girls in the all league positions the Bobcats only accumulated 32 points for the victory. Southview placed 2nd with 68, followed by Napoleon with 72, Fremont Ross 95, Oregon Clay 136, and Springfield with 147.
With the splitting of the NLL into two divisions, the league now awards only 1st and 2nd Team All League Honors. The 1st seven finishers earn 1st team honors and places 8th through 14th earn 2nd team honors. The new NLL no longer awards 3rd team honors in Cross Country.
The seven runners that ran in the championship race were:
Annie Oberlander(Jr.) 3rd Place 20:58 (NLL 1st Team)
Shelby Janes (Jr.) 4th Place 20:58 (NLL 1st Team)
Natalie Neeson (Jr.) 5th Place 21:01 (NLL 1st Team)
Averie Crawford (Jr.) 7th Place 21:18 (NLL 1st Team)
Kate Scarletto-Scholl (Fr.) 13th Place 21:59 (NLL 2nd Team)
Emarie Headley (So.) 14th Place 22:04 (NLL 2nd Team)
Maddie Evans (Fr.) 18th Place 22:27
“The girls remained focused and determined all week. We figured that Southview would be after us and the girls were pretty set on not allowing that to happen. The team also did not allow weather conditions to affect their mindset and they went to the starting line ready. During the race the girls found each other and worked really well together. Coach Carney (BGHS Asst. Coach Lisa Carney) told them before the race that they needed to accomplish two things on that course – 1) Stay close to, and work with your teammates, and 2) Get after those orange jerseys (Southview). This is exactly what they did. We are very proud of them and the work they have put in. The team is excited to enter the postseason” Pat Carney (Head Coach)
The girls will compete in the Division 1 OHSAA District Championship Race on Saturday, October 21st at Leaders Farms in Napoleon. Of the 12 teams in their race, the top 4 teams and top 16 individuals will advance to the Regional Competition on October 28th at Hedges Boyer park in Tiffin.
The Bobcat Boys Cross Country Team won the inaugural NLL Cardinal Division title scoring 33 points to runner-up Sylvania Southview’s 39. Springfield was 3rd with 97, followed by Fremont Ross with 103, Oregon Clay 127, and Napoleon at 137. The last NLL title for the BG boys was in 2020. Southview has been rapidly improving throughout the season and the boys knew that we were in their sights. The boys remained confident from the start and held on for the victory.
The seven runners that ran in the championship race were:
Aidan Novinsky (Sr.) 16:14 1st Place (NLL 1st Team) NLL Champion
Erek Kendrick (Jr.) 16:35 3rd Place (NLL 1st Team)
Landon Fry (So.) 16:41 4th Place (NLL 1st Team)
Sam Challu (Jr.) 17:29 10th Place (NLL 2nd Team)
Sam Wiles (Fr.) 17:56 15th Place
Garrett Bateson (Sr.) 18:00 16th Place
Ash Fleming (Jr.) 18:01 17th Place
“This boys team continues to perform at an elite level each weekend. The boys knew Southview would give a good fight today, and they did. The team continues to handle pressure and adversity as good as any team we have ever coached. They have lofty goals heading into the post season and they will be ready to meet the challenge. We are still improving and have not put our best overall team race out there yet. This team works incredibly hard and all of the success they are having is a direct result of that hard work. They deserve this win. Adidan Novinsky has led this team all year and Erek and Landon have been right there with him each step of the way. Aidan ran with a sense of determination that it takes to be a league champion. He ran confident and in control – the way a veteran and experienced runner does.” Pat Carney (Head Coach)
The boys will compete in the Division 1 OHSAA District Championship Race on Saturday, October 21st at Leaders Farms in Napoleon. Of the 12 teams in their race, the top 4 teams and top 16 individuals will advance to the Regional Competition on October 28th at Hedges Boyer park in Tiffin.
