Business as usual for Minerva girls cross country, while boys win first XC regional

Just when you think the Minerva cross country program has done it all, the Lions go and raise the bar.

This time around, it was the boys taking the lead as for the first time in school history, the boys’ cross country squad captured a regional championship. Competing in the Div. III Region 10 meet, hosted by Pickerington North High School Oct. 25, Fairless had two of the top four runners, but Minerva flashed its depth, winning the team title with 72 points, 40 ahead of the Falcons.

The Lady Lions, defending state champion in Division II before realignment pushed them into Division III this year, placed second with 120 points, just six behind regional champion Tusky Valley. Before anyone sounds the alarm, just remember that Minerva was in this position last year, placing second at regionals to Athens before winning its second consecutive state title.

The boys were led by senior Rowen Hoffee, who placed fifth with a time of 15:53.39, more than 45 seconds faster than her performance here a year ago. Meanwhile, Fairless posted the first, fourth and eighth runners, so the Falcons were looking good. Until the pack, that is.

The Lions’ second through fourth runners – Owen Yoder (16:06.85), Anderson Scott (16:12.14), and Tyson Fetty (16:13.71) – crossed the finish line in succession, taking the 10th, 11th, and 12th spots, and putting the pressure on Fairless, which was still waiting on its fourth runner. Junior Fox Johnson capped the Lions’ scoring and ended the drama when he finished 46th in 17:03.12, wrapping up the title comfortably.

Also running for Minerva were Brady First, who finished 55th, and Kaden Knappenberger, who placed 84th.

According to Minerva coach Olivia Scott, the example Hoffee, who has qualified for state twice, has set for the underclassmen has been indispensable.

“The boys ran lights out, making school history with our first-ever regional championship,” Scott said. “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.”

On the girls’ side, Makenzie Beavers demonstrated that the girls had something to show off, too, as she set Minerva’s school record with her blistering time of 18:27.17, which earned her third-place honors. Beavers’ time eclipses the 2017 record set by her coach, Mackenzie Scott.

Joining Beavers on a second consecutive qualification for state was sophomore Tateum Richard (18:39.12), who was mere seconds behind in fourth place. Freshman Charlie Galley (19:54.19) finished 23rd while sophomore Addison Keyser (20:04.81) placed 32nd. Chloe Carson (21:17.96) finished 72nd and rounded out the fifth score for the Lions, who also had Taylor McGeorge (82nd), and Callie Yeagley (120th) in the race.

“The girls were outstanding, continuing our long tradition of qualifying to state for 11 straight years,” said Scott. “And 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.”

Volleyball

The Lady Lions’ season came to a close with a loss to Beaver Local in a Div. IV East 2 District semifinal match Oct. 21. The third-seeded Beavers (22-2) defeated Minerva 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-15), ending the Lady Lions’ winning streak at seven matches.

Minerva finishes with a 14-10 record.