Lions race at McGowan Invitational
The Fairfield Lions competed at the McGowan Cross-Country Invitational at Watkins High School in Pataskala, Saturday in a Division III race.
The Lions competed against three other state-ranked teams (Columbus Academy, Mt. Gilead, Lancaster Fairfield Christian), with FHS gaining a first-place finish, scoring 52 points.
FHS defeated the following teams in this order: Columbus Academy, Mount Gilead, Fairfield Christian, Northmor, Newark Catholic, Fairbanks, Berne Union, Worthington Christian, Grandview Heights, Village Academy, Burnsville, Crooksville, Granville Christian Academy, Elgin, Canterbury, Northridge and Grove City Christian. Not fielding full teams, but also competing, were Fisher Catholic, Millersport, Gilead Christian, Tree of Life and Wellington.
The top seven spots were earned at this meet by first man, Wyatt Evans, who placed fifth overall in 17:39, and second man, Matthew Mangus, who placed eighth with a time of 17:44.
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Third man, Trent Swisher placed 12th in 17:54, followed by fourth man, Austin Setty placed 13th in 17:55. Next was Noah Richmond in 20th at 18:18, followed by Andrew Davis in 23rd in 18:21 and Dillon Burley was 24th in 18:27.
Also running for Fairfield were Brandtson Duffie, 18:53; Bennett Hodson, 19:21; Nick Price, 19:27; Mason Cain, 20:16; Jason Moeller, 24:50; Phoenix Taylor, 24:55 and Riley Friend, 30:18.
Coach Friend and the rest of the coaching staff are excited about Saturday's performance, especially with the Highland County Fair school break being held this past week.
It is a challenging week to have consistent attendance and practices. The coaching staff said it was also good to see Evans bounce back and have a solid race performance.
Setty also performed well, according to the coaches, being the second freshman overall finisher in the Div. III race.
Alexis Swisher was the first Lady Lion scoring by placing 69th place in 25:31; Megan Gragg placed 96th in 26:44; Meadow Cunningham placed 115th in 27:52; Brianna Barnes placed 130th in 29:54; and Andrea Spears placed 131st in 30:07. The girls team placed 12th.
Complete results can be found at http://www.wwtrackclubtiming.com/McGowanHS.