RUNNERS TO WATCH
(in alphabetical order)
Ainsley Borthwick, Sr., Kirtland: She made the state meet last season after missing a spot as a sophomore, finishing 53rd. She had seven top-15 finishes last season with two wins (Cuyahoga Heights and CVC Valley). Her personal best is 19 minutes, 21.40 seconds, set at Legends.
Makenna Bremec, Jr., Mayfield: Recovered from a rocky end to her first season to advance to her first regional competition. Six top 30 finishes, best finish was sixth at the WRC. Personal best in Dublin: 19:36.00.
Brielle Collins, Sr., Hawken: Returned from an injury earlier in the season and narrowly missed All-Ohio honors, placing 32nd at the state championships. Her personal best is 18:46.40, which she set at the state championships her freshman year.
Izzie Copeland, Jr., Kirtland: Was a strong third runner for the Hornets early in the season and was the second leader by the end of the year. Finished second in CVC Valley and 12th in district. Personal best of 20:38.30 set at Legends.
Cecilija Dautovic, Sr., Beaumont: Was a strong sophomore runner for the resurgent Blue Streaks and is taking on the leadership role this year. Three top-20 finishes, including a fifth-place finish at the Crown Conference. Personal best of 20:50.73 set at the district meet.
Sasha Kheyfets, Jr., Beachwood: Was All-Ohioan last season with her 24th place finish at Obetz, with one shoe. She has finished in the top 10 all season except for two events. Personal best is 19:08.77, set at Madison.
Nora Kraska, Sr., Mentor: Was one of three jockeying for the top spot in the Cardinals’ running order early in the season, but secured that spot after an 11th-place finish at Wooster. Five top-25 finishes last year and 42nd at regionals. Personal best of 19:13.60 set at districts.
Briella Hewitt, Jr., Chardon: Didn’t have a great start to the season but made good progress like last year and becomes the Hilltoppers’ number 1. Seven top 10 finishes, with 4th place in WRCs being the best result. Personal best: 19:17.55
Katie Kovacs, Sr., Madison: Ran well last season as the No. 1 seed, earning four top-five finishes with a best of second at Valley Forge. Personal best is 20:35.00, set at Legends.
Brianna McIvor, Sr., Kenston: Was All-Ohioan as a sophomore but barely made the mark a year ago, finishing 44th at state. Had four top-10 finishes and finished third at WRCs. Her personal best of 19:11.08 was set at conference.
Audrey Morgan-Ard, Sr., Perry: Fitted well at the Pirates’ No. 2 spot last season and helped the Pirates earn a regional appearance as a team. Five top-30 finishes, with her best being third at CVC Lake. 19:47.05 is her personal best, set at Madison.
Tillie O’Donnell, Jr., South: Has made great strides as a sophomore, reaching her first regional meet with two top 20 finishes. Will continue to improve as a runner and move into the top 10 this season. Personal best of 19:49.11 set at the district meet.
Lilly Stukus, Sr., Chagrin Falls: She made a name for herself in her freshman year, making it to the state meet where she placed 68th and earned three top 10s and six top 20s. Will be the leader this season. Her personal best of 19:17.16 was set at the district meet.
Megan Sullivan, Sr., Riverside: Had a solid season that ended with a regional berth where she placed 93rd. Three top-10 finishes, including a third at Centerville, and she will be the leader for the Beavers. Her personal best is 19:46.72, set at WRC.
Holly Vis, Sr., Perry: Fitted the No. 1 role like a glove as she advanced to State, finishing 66th. Five top 10 finishes and her worst finish prior to State was 19th. Her personal best is 19:05.40, set at Legends.
Sylvia Vosicky, Sr., Kirtland: The Hornets’ 2-3 counterpart behind Borthwick had six top-30 finishes. Seems to be helping Kirtland climb the team leaderboard at Regionals. PR is 20:41.00, set at Legends.
FINAL BLOWS
• Chardon had a standout year last season but now needs to find runners who can step in at key positions to replace a strong graduating class.
• Neighbors Chagrin Falls and Kenston are in similar positions with strong first-place teams, but will need to develop the field around them if they want to challenge for promotion to the state league again.
• Two second-graders looking to continue their development are Cali Wizy of Berkshire and Hailey Flowers of Brush. Both have made progress in their first years on the course and are looking to continue on that path.
• This year’s group of runners has achieved a lot in recent years under the wings of some talented and strong senior classes. Now that all eyes are on them, which runners make their mark and become Runner of the Year will be a story that evolves and changes from meet to meet.
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