The West Holmes Lady Knights earned a return trip to the Division III state meet after finishing fifth among 33 teams at the Pickerington Regional on Oct. 25. The top performance for West Holmes came from junior Iriel Mena, who placed 11th with a time of 19:16. Her teammates rounding out the scoring five were Katherine Kaster (22nd), Alexis Wagers (38th), Sophie Arnold (99th) and Ellie Babitt (101st).

The regional result preserves momentum for a program that has been a visible source of local pride and student engagement. In a small, rural county where school events are key civic gatherings, the Lady Knights’ advancement will draw attention not only from family and friends but also from prospective student-athletes who look to high school sports for structure, social connection and healthy activity.

That week also marked the end of other seasonal campaigns: the boys team and the middle-school football programs wrapped up their respective seasons. The close of these seasons underscores a community cycle of youth sports participation that stretches from middle school through high school, offering developmental opportunities while also presenting challenges common in rural areas—limited access to sports medicine resources, travel burdens for regional and state competitions, and disparities in funding for athletic programs.

Beyond the scoreboard, the Lady Knights’ achievement has public health implications. Regular participation in team sports contributes to physical fitness, mental health, and social connectedness—protective factors against chronic disease and isolation, particularly in communities with fewer recreational resources. At the same time, the success highlights the need for sustained investment in school-based health supports, including athletic trainers and injury-prevention programs, so students can safely benefit from competition and high-intensity training.

Local leaders and school officials face a policy choice: leverage this moment of success to advocate for equitable funding and health services that support all student-athletes, or risk letting resource gaps hamper future participation and outcomes. For families without flexible work schedules or reliable transportation, travel to regional and state meets can create barriers to attendance and involvement. Ensuring equitable access will require attention to transportation assistance, affordable entry and equipment costs, and on-site medical coverage.

As the Lady Knights prepare for state competition, the community has an opportunity to rally behind its athletes while also reflecting on longer-term investments in youth well-being. Success on the course is meaningful in itself, but its deeper value may be in highlighting how shared achievements can drive conversations about health equity, school resources and the supports young people need to thrive both athletically and academically.