Central Ohio high school boys cross-country runners stand out at state
With seven central Ohio boys cross-country runners finishing in the top 14, the Division I state meet Nov. 7 at Fortress Obetz became a showcase for the Columbus area’s top competitors. New Albany junior Austin Benedict was central Ohio’s top placer. After winning the regional title Oct. 31 at Pickerington North , Benedict placed third (15 minutes, 11.6 seconds) at state behind the Morrow Little Miami duo of Ryne Reynolds (15:01.4) and Ian Patrick (15:10.7). “I’m happy with the race,” Benedict said. “I gave it a good run. I’m excited for what’s to come. I came down with a little bit of a sickness Thursday, but it held off for the most part, so I’m happy with the performance.” Benedict was joined in the top 14 by Hilliard Darby’s Logan Behm (fourth, 15:17.9), Thomas Worthington’s Calvin Watson (sixth, 15:22.7), Westerville North’s Holden Gray (10th, 15:35.6), Olentangy Orange’s Cowen Allender (11th, 15:35.8), Olentangy Berlin’s Vansh Sethi (12th, 15:36.8) and Dublin Coffman’s Benjamin Canales (14th, 15:40.8). “None of us would be where we are without each other,” Benedict said. “We’re always competing against each other – [it’s] very competitive – but we’re also extremely happy to have each other’s back.” Dublin Jerome