West Union makes state cross country debut, county rallies in support
West Union High School made its first ever appearance at the OHSAA State Cross Country Meet in Fortress Obetz on November 1, finishing 22nd in the Division IV girls team standings. The milestone and strong individual performances from local runners highlight the health benefits of youth sports and raise questions about access and support for small rural programs in Adams County.
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West Union’s girls cross country team reached a long sought milestone on November 1 when the squad competed as a team at the OHSAA State Cross Country Meet at Fortress Obetz, finishing 22nd in the Division IV girls team standings. The program’s first ever state team appearance was anchored by six finishers, led by sophomore Stella Rhonemus who placed 85th with a time of 20 minutes 32.26 seconds. Junior Lydia Armstrong was 122nd in 21 minutes 14.19 seconds. Seniors Emma Crawford and Nina McCann finished 197th and 213th respectively with times of 23 minutes 29.64 seconds and 27 minutes 54.60 seconds. Tabitah Armstrong placed 205th in 24 minutes 37.04 seconds and freshman Aubree Hoop was 211th in 27 minutes 6.41 seconds.
On the boys side, Manchester senior Ryan Butcher Raines ran in the Division IV field of 213 athletes and finished 98th, posting a time of 17 minutes 19.47 seconds in his final high school race. Butcher Raines had earlier in the season broken his school cross country record, capping a season that combined personal achievement with a sense of closure for a senior athlete.
The results matter beyond placement and times. In a county where programs operate with modest budgets and long travel distances, moments like this are visible signs that rural student athletes can succeed on a larger stage. Participation in cross country promotes cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and mental resilience, public health benefits that contribute to long term wellbeing in communities where access to organized youth activity can be limited.
Local pride in the achievement can translate into tangible investments that support broader public health goals. Increased resources for coaching, transportation, and safe training facilities would help sustain participation and reduce disparities between smaller schools and better funded programs. Access to athletic trainers, school nursing support, and mental health services during and after competition are also important to protect young athletes and keep families from bearing the burden alone.
The West Union team’s appearance has potential ripple effects for youth engagement, particularly for girls who see a local pathway to high level competition. For Adams County leaders, educators, and health providers, the accomplishment presents an opportunity to reassess how schools and community partners can work together to expand equitable access to sports, physical activity, and the preventive health benefits they bring.
As fall sports conclude, attention will turn to off season training, fundraising, and district budget planning. The state meet experience offers a concrete starting point for community conversations about sustaining programs that keep young people active and healthy while building pride across the county.
