Fairfield 25 August 2017

Fairfield Lions boys cross-country ranked No. 1 in state

By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com

For a number of years now, the Fairfield Lions have built up their cross-country program with many miles raced in competition and even more miles run in preparation of those races. In 2017, those miles have built quite the reputation, not just locally, but throughout the state.

Friday, the first 2017 OAT&CCC coaches state cross-country preseason poll was released, and the Fairfield Lions were at the top of the list in Division III, being ranked No. 1 in the state with a total of 212 points in the coaches poll, including four first-place votes.

This season, the Lions have already gained a perfect score in a cross-country meet, sweeping the McClain Opener at Mitchell Park in Greenfield on Wednesday, Aug. 23 with a score of 15.

FHS is coming off a season in 2016 where they were fourth place at the OHSAA Division III State Championships, and they’ve qualified as a team for state the past three seasons.

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During that state run, the Lions had one runner — Noah Richmond — place in the Top 16 in the state, with the now-senior finishing in 11th place and earning All-Ohio honors. Along with Richmond, five of the seven runners are back for the Lions from that state team, including senior Matthew Mangus, along with juniors Brandtson Duffie, Austin Setty and Bennett Hodson.

The Lions have a total of 16 boys runners on their roster. Runners who are set to take the place of the graduated seniors include senior Andrew Davis, sophomore Ethan Davis and junior Sam Buddelmeyer, along with sophomores Gavin Campbell and Tristan Victor and three freshmen, Cohen Frost and Blake and Brant Haines.

As for the rest of the preseason state poll for Division III, the remainder of the Top 5 includes: Fort Loramie with 206 points (four first-place votes), Smithville (196), Maplewood (190, two first-place votes) and Mapleton (184, two first-place votes).

The rest of the Top 10 (sixth through 10th) include: Columbus Academy (152), New London (135), Mt. Gilead (135), East Canton (127, two first-place votes) and McDonald (110).

Click here for the complete list.

The Lions are scheduled to race next on Saturday, Aug. 26 at Seneca East. From there, they will race in Highland County on Saturday, Sept. 2 in Hillsboro at Liberty Park in the Ohio Classic.

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