HEBRON — Lexington’s Carina Weaver has stood atop the state podium three times, but ascending those steps never gets old.
The lone senior on Lady Lex’s roster, Weaver finished fifth individually as Lexington defended its Division II state title in overwhelming fashion on a cold and blustery Saturday at National Trail Raceway.
Lady Lex won with a team score of 72, well ahead of runner-up Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (142).
Weaver was a freshman alternate when Lady Lex won it all in 2015. She was the No. 2 runner on the 2016 runner-up team and was Lady Lex’s top finisher on last year’s state championship team. She finished behind sophomore teammates Joanna Halfhill and Halle Hamilton on Saturday. Halfhill was third overall in 19:04.2, while Hamilton was fourth in 19:05.6. Weaver finished in 19:07.4
“It’s unreal, honestly. It’s the happiest moment of my life,” an emotional Weaver said while flanked by her teammates. “I can’t even describe the emotion and all of the joy I have in my heart for myself and my team.
“Just coming into the finish and seeing your two sophomore teammates in front of you is the most amazing feeling. It’s a bittersweet moment for me.”
Lily Weeks was the fourth Lex runner to cross the line, finishing 30th overall in 19:56.1. Natalie Dininger (20:18.5) was 57th, while Tessa Gerhardt (20:43.0) was 73rd and Kaydence Hines (20:56.9) was 92nd.
“You don’t really gets used to being a state champion,” Hamilton said. “It feels amazing, especially when you can do it with your teammates who feel the same way you do. It’s the best.
“None of us had bad races, even for the conditions.”
The race was scheduled for last weekend but had to be postponed because large portions of the course were underwater. The original track had to be re-routed late this week because standing water remained on the course.
“We’re used to training in the elements,” Halfhill said. “Cross country doesn’t take days off no matter if it’s raining or snowing or hailing or if it’s super hot. Today was a challenge but our coach prepared us for it.”
The Ontario girls finished with with a score of 237. Ellie Maurer led the way with a time of 19:57.4, good for 32nd overall. Grace Maurer (20:09.4) was 42nd, while Ariah Reuer (20:33.9) was 69th and Anna Gregg (20:48.4) was 84th. Paige Danuloff (21:30.2), Sunshine Liu (22:42.3) and Cori Wentz (22:58.8) rounded out the field for the Warriors.
Shelby’s Makenna Heimlich was 95th in 21:02.4. The Madison duo of Emily Atwell (21:10.2) and Adrianna Russell (21:12.8) were 105th and 108th, respectively.
Division I: Ashland’s Lea Jerkovic was the area’s lone qualifier in Division I. Jerkovic finished 97th overall in 20:23.0.
