Tipp runners claim Regional championship
The Tippecanoe boys cross country team has been making some serious noise the last few weeks. Last week, they claimed the district title and was expected to contend for the regional championship last weekend.
Behind a dominant performance from the defending state champion Landon Kimmel, it was more hardware that came back to Tipp City. The Red Devils claimed the regional title and will send the entire boys team to the state finals this weekend in Columbus.
All five of Tipp’s top runners placed in the top 40, as the Red Devils finished with 109 points, edging Cincinnati Turpin, who finished second with 113 points. Loveland was third with 118, and Bellbrook finished with 136.
“I’m so proud of how our guys competed today, winning a regional title in a field this strong is really special,” Tipp coach Matt Lieber said. “Turpin and Loveland are both outstanding programs, and we knew it was going to come down to just a few points. Our guys showed great composure and ran for each other when it mattered most.”
Kimmel went sub-15 as he is preparing for the state championship meet this week. He ran 14:56.83 to win the regionals by around a minute against James O’Driscoll from Indian Hill, who finished the race in 15:49.90.
“Landon continues to rise to the moment,” Lieber said. “Going sub-15 in these conditions shows how focused he is heading into next weekend. He’s been such a steady leader for us, and the team really feeds off his consistency and drive.”
Also placing in the top 15 was Everett Muhlenkamp, as he finished 13th overall with a time of 16:17.82.
Eli Ramos had 16:43.99 and placed 27th overall, with Luke Schwieterman landing 30th in the region with a time of 16:50.81.
Finishing 39th was Ben Pierson, who ran 17:10.15. Rounding out the top 50 was Elias Stienecker, who placed 44th with a 17:16.50.
“This was one of those races that reminds you why cross country is such a great team sport,” Lieber said. “Every guy mattered today, and that’s what makes this win so meaningful heading into state.”
*In the girls' race, the Red Devils finished the day with a 12th place, scoring 354 points.
Running Tipp’s best time was Delainey Stout, who finished 27th overall with a time of 20:14.10. Sydney LaBreck landed 53rd place in the regionals, running a 21:02.30.
Tipp’s third runner was Mary Waibel, who landed 87th by running 21:56.61. Lauren Anderson was 91st (22:06.46).
The Red Devils boys team will now compete in the state championship on Saturday at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park in central Ohio, looking to bring home the state title. The Division 2 boys race begins at 2:20 with the awards to follow at 2:50. Also up for grabs is the individual state championship, with Kimmel looking for the repeat. Last season, he won the Division 1 title.
