OBETZ — Before Mount Vernon senior cross country star Lucy Rush even set foot into Fortress Obetz for the Division II state meet on Saturday, encouraging signs draped over railings around the venuee.
Rush was a name competitors were keeping an eye on after she finished third at the Pickerington regional meet.
Although running as an individual, Rush did not disappoint.
As she zipped around the course with the sound of her supporters behind her, Rush finished sixth overall with an 18:09.06 time to boast.
“I’m just so thankful to have gotten to run here today with all these girls, and I’ve been running kind of by myself for a lot of the races,” Rush said.
“So, I was really excited to have some people to chase today, and I really think that helped push me a lot.”
Rush also noted her supporters, as well as what it meant to represent her Knox County community.
“I’m just so privileged to be here, and I’m so thankful and glad I can get to represent my school and community here at the race,” Rush said.
“Everyone’s been so supportive this year, from the Jacket Journal to people at school, and so I’m just really glad to represent my community.”
Division IV
Centerburg runners also made it to the statee meet on Saturday, sending a boy and a girl racing as individuals in Division IV.
This year’s Division IV races for both boys and girls marked the inaugural year under the OHSAA, and thus the first podium finishes of the Division IV state meeet.
Senior Payton Tucker finished 128th, crossing the finish line at 21:18.50 in the girls’ race.
Additionally, Senior Andrew Dickhof finished 103rd with his 17:22.34 time around the course.
Below are photos of Rush, Tucker and Dickhof from Saturday’s races. Credit: Jack Slemenda
