RUNNERS TO WATCH
(in alphabetical order)
Ainsley Borthwick, Sr., Kirtland: Broke through to the state meet a season ago after being a spot short as a sophomore, and she finished 53rd. Had seven top-15 finishes a season ago with two wins (Cuyahoga Heights and CVC Valley). Personal record is 19 minutes, 21.40 seconds, set at Legends.
Makenna Bremec, Jr., Mayfied: Recovered from a rough end to her freshman campaign, advancing to her first regional meet. Six top 30s with a best of sixth at WRC. PR is 19:36.00 at Dublin.
Brielle Collins, Sr., Hawken: Returned from an early season injury and ended up just short of All-Ohio honors, finishing 32nd at State. Her PR is 18:46.40, which she set at the state meet her freshman year.
Izzie Copeland, Jr., Kirtland: Was a strong third runner for the Hornets early in the season and was the second leader down the stretch of the year. Took second at the CVC Valley and 12th at district. PR is 20:38.30, set at Legends.
Cecilija Dautovic, Sr., Beaumont: Was a strong second runner for the resurgent Blue Streaks and slots into the leadership role this year. Three top 20s, highlighted by a fifth at the Crown Conference. PR is 20:50.73, set at the district meet.
Sasha Kheyfets, Jr., Beachwood: Was an All-Ohioan a season ago with her 24th place at Obetz, with one shoe. Finished in the top 10 all season outside of two meets. PR 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 after an 11th at Wooster, settled into the spot. Five top 25s last year and was 42nd at regional. PR of 19:13.60, set at Districts.
Briella Hewitt, Jr., Chardon: Didn’t start the season the best, but progressed nicely as last year went and will be the No. 1 for the Hilltoppers. Seven top 10 finishes with a best of 4th at WRCs. PR is 19:17.55
Katie Kovacs, Sr., Madison: Ran well as the No. 1 a season ago, racking up four top fives with a best of second at Valley Forge. PR is 20:35.00, set at Legends.
Brianna McIvor, Sr., Kenston: An All-Ohioan as a sophomore, fell just short of reaching the mark a year ago as she finished 44th at state. Had four finishes in the top 10 and a third at WRCs. PR is 19:11.08, set at the conference meet.
Audrey Morgan-Ard, Sr., Perry: Fit into the No. 2 slot for the Pirates well a season ago, helping the Pirates to a regional appearance as a team. Five top 30s with a best of third at CVC Lake. 19:47.05 is her PR, set at Madison.
Tillie O’Donnell, Jr., South: Made big strides in her performance as a sophomore with two top 20s to reach her first regional meet. Will continue to grow as a runner and push those to top 10s this season. PR is 19:49.11, set at the district meet.
Lilly Stukus, Sr., Chagrin Falls: Broke onto the scene in her first year advancing to the state meet, where she finished 68th to go with three top 10s and six top 20s. Will be the leader this season. PR is 19:17.16, set at the district meet.
Megan Sullivan, Sr., Riverside: Composed a solid season that ended in a regional berth where she finished 93rd. Three top 10s with a third at Centerville and will be the leader for the Beavers. PR is 19:46.72, set at WRC.
Holly Vis, Sr., Perry: Fit to the No. 1 role like a glove as she advanced to the state meet and was 66th. Five top 10s, and her worst finish before state was 19th. PR is 19:05.40, set at Legends.
Sylvia Vosicky, Sr., Kirtland: The counterpart in the Hornets 2-3 punch behind Borthwick, had six top 30s. Looks to help Kirtland up the team leader board at Regionals. PR is 20:41.00, set at Legends.
FINAL KICKS
• Chardon had a banner year a season ago but now needs to find runners to jump into key spots in the order to replace a deep senior class.
• Neighbors Chagrin Falls and Kenston are in similar positions with strong No. 1 runners but need the field to develop around them if either want to contend again for team state advancements.
• A pair of sophomores aiming to continue their growth are Cali Wizy of Berkshire and Hailey Flowers of Brush. Both showed progress in their first years on the course and aim to continue that trajectory.
• This year’s crop of runners has done a lot of growing in the wings of some talented and deep senior classes in recent years. Now with all eyes on them, which runners will make their name and case to be runner of the year will be a storyline that develops and changes meet to meet.
Originally Published: