The Girls Varsity Cross Country team wrapped up a remarkable season on Saturday with a 14th-place finish at the OHSAA State Meet, held at Fortress Obetz. Led by senior standout Claire Drylie, the Elks gave a strong performance, with Drylie setting a personal record of 18:58 to finish 50th overall. Her achievement places her in the top 25 of Centerville Girls Cross Country (CGXC) runners in program history, marking a significant milestone.

The Elks’ top five scorers displayed impressive determination on the state’s biggest stage. Following Drylie, Mia Fry crossed the finish line in 86th place with a time of 19:19, while Meredith Drylie came in at 102nd, clocking a time of 19:34. Shayda Hart also had a strong performance, finishing 110th with a time of 19:38, and Ella Buckingham rounded out the scoring five in 118th with a time of 19:46.

The competition was tight, and the Elks found themselves tied for 14th place. It was Elena VonHandorf, the team’s sixth runner, who broke the tie by finishing in 126th with a time of 19:53, officially securing the 14th spot for the team. Additionally, Chloe Sorensen put in a commendable effort, completing the course in 20:54 to finish 172nd.

Coach Darcy Whyte praised the team’s hard work and resilience, noting that every runner played a crucial role in this significant accomplishment. “It was an amazing day, and I couldn’t be prouder of how each athlete performed,” Whyte said. “Thank you to all of the athletes, friends, and family members who came out to support us. We felt the love and encouragement every step of the way.”

The Elks’ season-long dedication and teamwork have left an inspiring mark, as the team’s finish caps off a season to be proud of and builds momentum for next year.