Bulldogs' XC conquers at OSHAA Early Invitational

OBETZ — Athens’ girls’ cross country team won the State High School Athletic Association Early Invitational on Saturday at Fortress Obetz.

Sophia Szolosi finished first (18:31 min) — more than 20 seconds ahead of the second place runner in the 3.1 mile race — for Division II that featured a steep hill — a hill so steep that it’s meant to grind legs coming and going for 309 runners from at least 37 teams at the invitational that serves an early preview of the season ahead. Last season, Szolosi finished as runner-up (17:58) against a tough field at the state championship held at Fortress Obetz.

A member of last season’s state championship team, Landis Corrigan crossed the finish line at 20th place (20:51) while Zoey Wayner, a freshman, placed 25th (21:05).

Other members of last season’s state championship team, Olivia Smart finished 32nd (21:17) and Margaret Nunemaker at 35th (21:27) — also a lifetime personal record — with Julia Borovicka at 87th (23:58).

Strong runners, Rachel Prange placed 203rd (27:37) and JuJu Anderson crossed the finish line at 216th (28:08).

Bulldogs’ boys’ team placed 27th with Prem Koshal leading the Bulldogs, finishing 67th (18:41) followed by Coltrane Parsons at 112th (19:12), Zachary Wakeley at 157th (20:02), Davis Talbert at 164th (20:10), Jack Phillips at 320th (23:57), Marcus Hutchinson at 349th (26:16).

Bulldogs’ next meet is the Golden Rockets Invitational on Saturday in Wellston.