County runners do well at Blue/Gold meet

Van Wert independent sports

OTTAWA — The Van Wert boys’ and girls’ cross country teams both finished first in the big-school division of the Ottawa-Glandorf Blue and Gold Invitational on Saturday.

In the small-school boy’s race, Crestview’s Mycah Grandstaff won the battle for first place against Lancer standout Bayley Tow, edging Tow 16:25.3 to 16:27.9, but Lincolnview won the war as the Lancer team took first place in the Gold Division race.

In addition to Tow’s second-place finish, Alex Rodriguez was fifth in 17:04, Trevor Neate finished ninth in 17:41.8, Colton Snyder was 11th in 17:47 and Tyler Brant finished 13th in 17:49.

“It was a unique challenge for the boys today,” said Lincolnview Coach Matt Langdon. “We were really focused on racing with St. Henry, as we knew that they matched up with us very closely.”

The Redskins were second with 55 points to Lincolnview’s 40. Crestview finished in third place with 113 points.

Van Wert dominated the Blue Division boys’ race, placing five runners in the top 20, led by Connor Holliday’s second-place finish in 16:35.2. Other Cougars in the top 20 include Cade Fleming, fourth in 17:27; Daniel Perry, eighth in 17:34; Jordan Butler, 14th in 17:43; and Nick Keber, 17th in 17:52.

The Van Wert girls edged perennial cross country power Eastwood 69-82.

Chloee Gamble was the top Lady Cougar runner, finishing in eighth place in 20:46. Cassidy Meyers was 11th in 21:17.7; Natalie Riethman was 15th in 21:30; Julia Springer finished in 20th place in a time of 21:50; and Schealissa Williams was 21st in 21:59.

In addition to Grandstaff, Crestview girls’ runner Ashley Bowen was fourth in the Gold Division race in 20:22.9.