West Union Girls Qualify for State; Manchester Runner Advances
West Union High School’s girls cross-country team earned the first state berth in program history after finishing fifth at the Division IV regional at Pickerington North, while Manchester senior Ryan Butcher‑Raines qualified individually in the boys race. The achievements bring rare statewide attention to Adams County athletics and could boost local support for youth sports and school programs.
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West Union’s girls cross-country team made history at the Division IV regional meet held at Pickerington North, placing fifth and earning the program’s first-ever berth in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Championships at Fortress Obetz. The team’s collective finish advanced the squad to the state meet and marked a milestone for the school’s athletics program.
Sophomore Stella Rhonemus earned an All‑Regional nod with a 22nd-place finish, while teammates Ella Shupert and Lydia Armstrong also finished inside the top 30, contributing to the team’s qualifying score. On the boys side, Manchester senior Ryan Butcher‑Raines qualified as an individual after placing 21st in the Division IV regional. Butcher‑Raines capped a standout season a week earlier by setting a school record with a 5K time of 16:51, underscoring his consistency and competitive trajectory heading into state competition.
The results matter locally for several reasons. For West Union, the girls’ state qualification is a landmark achievement that raises the profile of the district’s athletics program and provides a tangible success story for students and families across Adams County. For Manchester, Butcher‑Raines’ individual qualification and school-record performance offer a focal point for community pride and an example for younger athletes in the county’s feeder programs.
Beyond pride, the trips to Fortress Obetz can have modest economic effects for the community. State-level competition highlights local programs to broader audiences and typically draws visiting family members and alumni, which can increase demand for local hospitality and retail spending when athletes and supporters return or travel. Increased visibility also tends to mobilize booster clubs and school fundraising efforts; a successful state appearance can translate into new sponsorships or targeted fundraising for equipment, travel budgets, and youth development clinics that sustain participation levels.
There are also longer-term implications for youth engagement and school resource allocation. Athletic success often correlates with higher extracurricular participation, which research links to improved school attendance and social outcomes. For district leaders and local policymakers, these results may prompt a reassessment of how resources are balanced between athletics, academics and facilities maintenance to build on momentum without compromising classroom priorities.
For now, attention in Adams County turns to Fortress Obetz, where both the West Union girls team and Butcher‑Raines will represent their schools on the state stage. Their presence at the OHSAA championships is likely to draw local spectators and renewed community support, while also setting a new benchmark for cross-country programs across the county.
