Winning state isn’t the main focus for coach David Dobson and his 70-runner-strong Elks’ program. But with their top seven runners back from a season ago, the Elks recognize they are again the team to beat.
“Our attention is to really see the season as a way to better ourselves,” Dobson said. “If that means we’re able to be state champions again we’d like nothing more than that. But our focus is on ourselves and the development of our own program.
“We try to make an environment that’s energetic, positive and fun for the kids. We want everyone to feel part of it whether they’re the first runner or the 70th runner. We want them to feel they are a champion themselves.”
Centerville’s state championship in 2016 highlighted the Greater Western Ohio Conference’s power with a sweep of the top three spots along with runner-up Troy and Beavercreek. Those three appeared in the same order in the Division I preseason state poll released Thursday. Centerville earned 239 points and 11 of 12 first-place votes from coaches. Troy was second with 220 points and Beavercreek third with 176 and the other first-place vote.
“That just doesn’t happen very often,” Troy coach Kevin Alexander said of the GWOC’s state finish. “The conference itself is going to be an incredible collection of talent.”
Centerville’s top seven from 2016 return with senior Kelli Walsh, juniors Grace Kilroy, who finished a team-best 19th at state, Savannah Love, Rachel Whitehead and Sophie Hippenmeyer and sophomores Kerri Walsh and Dalia Einstein. The Elks have a handful of runners ready to work their way into the top seven as well, giving the team solid depth.
“There is a comfortable confidence about them that I enjoy watching,” Dodson said. “No one even talked about winning Saturday. That wasn’t a goal. We had four goals and that wasn’t one of them, but if we achieved our goals winning was a product of that. The idea was to shake off the rust a little bit and give the girls a good experience. We tried to be controlled and methodical and dip our toes into the season.”
Troy graduated its No. 4 and No. 7 runners from its state finish, but returns its top runner in Morgan Gigandet. The senior finished sixth at state. Senior Emma Shigley and junior Olivia Tyre are also capable of qualifying for state as individuals.
“Morgan is looking strong,” Alexander said. “She probably is the most consistent runner I have ever been able to coach. She doesn’t have off practices. Everyone has a down day here or there. Morgan is not like that. She’s amazingly consistent in both workouts and races.
“We’re just not nearly as deep this year as we were last year. We have some very good runners up front but we don’t have the depth at this point that we were able to have last year. If we can get to state I’d consider it a victory. This year, as of right now, if someone has a bad race it could be the difference of going to state or finishing middle of the pack at regional.”
Beavercreek, which graduated its No. 2 and No. 5 team finishers at state, is led by senior Stephanie Pierce and sophomores Taylor Ewert and Jodie Pierce.
Springboro also received votes in the coaches’ state poll.
• In Division II, Tippecanoe — led by seniors MaKenzie Dietz and Laura Fink and juniors Katie Taylor and Kaili Titley — opened atop the state poll with 230 votes and six first-place votes. That edged No. 2 Woodridge’s 223 points and two first-place votes.
No. 10 Bellbrook, No. 15 Oakwood and No. 22 Springfield Shawnee also received votes.
• In Division III, defending state champion Minster grabbed all 12 first-place votes for 240 points. No. 4 St. Henry, No. 9 Covington, No. 11 Fort Loramie, No. 14 Russia, No. 15 Versailles, No. 17 West Liberty-Salem and No. 22 National Trail also received votes.
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