Many records fell on May 16th at Bluffton High School, and most of them were broken by Leo’s track team. The girls fought off a tough Heritage team to capture their second straight ACAC Championship. It came down to the last race of the night, and the Lions were only up three points. Only Leo knew what was going to happen next. This race was the 3,200-meter run, and one of the team’s strongest events. Ashley Ritchey cruised to an easy victory, while Jessica Thomas followed her in for second. This gave the team the title.
Also winning individual championships were Emily Williams, Melissa Koch, the 4x800-meter relay, and the 4x400-meter relay. Williams won the 100-meter high hurdles, while breaking the ACAC meet record. Melissa Koch won the 800-meter run, while the team of Stephanie Koch, Katie Cottrell, Emily Williams, and Erica Sauder easily won the 4x400- meter relay race. The 4x800-meter relay team of Ashley Ritchey, Katie Morrical, Rachel Maranto, and Melissa Koch broke the school record and ACAC record while winning the race. Jessica Thomas broke a 20-year old school record. She finished second in the 1,600 meter run.
The team effort is what won the meet for these girls. They had a great performance up and down the roster. Everyone worked hard for this victory. Junior Emily Williams added, "It was fun winning the championship for the second time. Our team has really worked hard to get to this point in the year." The girls then entered one of the toughest sectionals in the state. They were unable to advance as a team, though. The girls had a great season, and congratulations on winning ACAC.
