CELINA – The Ansonia Tigers Cross Country team headed north today to compete in the Celina Rotary XC Invitational at the Wright State University Lake Campus. Twenty-two schools from around the area descended on the shores of Grand Lake to decide who had what it takes to tame the course on a warm, muggy start to the 2023 cross country season.
First out on the course, running in the White Division [DIII schools] 5000 meter race, was the high school boys team. Ansonia’s Matthew Lee crossed the finish line with a 2nd place overall finish in a time of 16:55.21 to lead the Tiger team.
Ethan Sparks [18:04.24] and Bennett Lehman [18:04.53] brought home 5th and 6th place finishes, respectively. Matt Barga [19:56.20] and Luken Longenecker [20:46.40] rounded out the top 5 for Ansonia, with Gavin Stachler [24:16.23] crossing the tape to solidify a 3rd place finish for the Tigers.
Coach Allen Newbauer, a new addition to the Ansonia Cross Country coaching staff this season, had this to say about the high school boys race: “Our high school boys did what they had to do today to set themselves up to place as high as they did. They ran a very tactical race today.”
Next out of the starting boxes were the high school girls 5000 meter race. Peyton Billenstein [23:31.31] led the Lady Tigers with a 13th place finish overall. Olivia Creager [24:20.80] had a strong 17th place finish, and Annie Bubeck [28:15.82] and Jenna Mosler [35:51.89] both notched PR finishes.
“The high school girls did a great job today holding their own against many runners who are consistently represented at the regional meet each year,” said Ansonia head cross country coach, Jason Wright.
The junior high boys took to the course to wrap up the day’s events with the 3200 meter run. Brady Wright [15:35.39] led the charge for Ansonia, with Max Lentz [15:48.99] and Luke Hahn [18:33.00] posting solid finishes to start their seasons.
“Our junior high boys had some outstanding finishes today, and they didn’t fall off the second half of their race,” said Coach Wright.
Ansonia will be back in action next Saturday when they compete at the Treaty City Invitational, held in Greenville Park. Races start at 8:30 am, and there is no cost for admission. So, come out and support your Tiger team!
