Reese’s runner-up finish sends Avon back to state for third straight year – Morning Journal

BOARDMAN — This collection of Avon girls runners turned qualifying for state from a dream to an expectation.

After missing 34 straight years from 1988-2021, the Eagles return for the third straight year after finishing third at the Division II cross country regionals on Oct. 26.

In a competitive regional, Avon finished with 149 points behind Wadsworth (128) and GlenOak (137).

“This team just keeps getting better, in my opinion,” Avon coach Justin Carroll said. “This is a program that did not go to the state for 34 years. To get to the third in a row, regardless of the place at the regionals, is a positive thing for me. We’re always looking for the positives and there’s more to come next week.”

The biggest reason the Eagles have a three-year winning streak is Kaitlin Reese. The junior followed up her winning streak at the conference and district championships with a second-place finish at regionals in 18:11.79. Daniela Scheffler of Uniontown Lake successfully defended her title.

Behind Reese, Olivia Pajak finished 27th for Avon in 19:45.39. Jessica Pendleton (42) and Ava Melott (43) also made the top 50. The Eagles hope to compete in the state championship game next week.

“It’s really exciting, we’ve been working hard all season,” Reese said. “It’s exciting to see something come to fruition, but I think we have more left.”

Rocky River also returns to state competition. The Pirates finished fifth in the Boardman for the second year in a row with 165 points.

Grace Lavelle led the way with a sixth time of 19:05.26. Katie Stirm (36th) and Jane Rathbun (37th) finished in the top 40. River have struggled with Avon all season and were hoping to be closer to the top of the table. Despite the feeling of disappointment, he has another step ahead of him next week.

“It’s not where we wanted to be, but we’ll have another shot next week,” Rocky River coach Deirdre Zurcher said. “(Grace) is a very good leader for the team. She works hard and puts all her efforts into her competitions. Other girls look up to her, and that means a lot.”

Although Bay did not qualify for state as a team in Division II, Erin Belwell and Brooklyn Marriott made up for it. Both finished in the top 15 to qualify as individuals.

Belveal had another great second half of the race to finish eighth in 19:25.82. Marriott also made a late push to earn her 15th place finish in 19:37.55.

“It’s good because passing people just gives me more motivation,” Belveal said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted and I’m glad I worked for it.”

Belveal and Marriott have led the Bay throughout the season and have followed suit this postseason. Working together to stay at the forefront has paid off so far.

“I think just talking to the people in front of us and having a positive mindset really helped me go far today,” Marriott said. “Positive affirmations really kept me going and pushed me to reach states.”