Lancer boys win NWC cross country title

Lincolnview cross country information

The Lincolnview Lancer cross country teams competed in the Northwest Conference championship meet on Saturday at the Van Wert Reservoir.

The boys’ race was very closely contested, featuring not only the Lancers, who are currently ranked No. 19 in the state, but also very strong squads from Columbus Grove and Crestview. The race was back and forth, but, in the end, the Lancers were able to edge out ‘Grove by 3 points, 36-39, to take the conference championship.

Lincolnview was able to place four runners in the top 10. Finishing as first team All-NWC were Bayley Tow, who placed third in a time of 16:44, and Alex Rodriguez who was fourth in a time of 17:23.

Bayley was also voted the male cross country athlete of the year in the NWC. Rounding out the scoring were Ben Bilimek (seventh), Travis Lippi (ninth), Trevor Neate (13th), and Colton Snyder (15th).

“It was an exciting day if you are a cross country fan,” said Lincolnview Coach Matt Langdon. “It was an intense race and it was obvious how the race was going because of the even level of talent on the top three teams.

“There were three very strong teams in this race and they really battled the entire time,” Coach Langdon added. “I was proud to see our boys fight so hard.  We won some individual battles that allowed us to edge out Grove.  We had a game plan and the kids executed it perfectly.

“Our weakness all season became our strength in this meet and that is encouraging for the weeks to come,” Coach Langdon went on to say. “If we can keep improving, we have an opportunity to extend our season awhile longer.”

The Lincolnview girls’ team placed fifth overall and was led by an All-Conference finish by Anna Gorman, who placed third in the race. Also placing in the top 25 was Abbie Enyart, who as 21st overall.

“Anna ran a very strong race,” Coach Langdon said. “She has been working very hard and over the last couple of races we are seeing her come into her own. I am excited to see how she does in the district race this coming week.”