The girls’ varsity cross country team at Talawanda High School placed fourth overall in the state competition, where the team ran against 20 schools. This marked the highest finish in the program’s history.

“The energy between the girls was incredible all week through the final practices, the ride up to the meet, and on the day of the meet,” said Amelia Oberschlake, cross country coach for both the boys’ and girls’ teams.

Coach Oberschlake was named the 2024 Cross Country Coach of the Year in the SWOC conference for the third consecutive year, noting that this was her first time winning the award for both the boys’ and girls’ teams. She added that she “has no plans of leaving anytime soon” and wants to continue her work as a coach, which she deeply loves.

The team placed first at the OHSAA Division I Regionals tournament, competing against 17 other teams to qualify for the state competition. Division I classification is determined by enrollment numbers, and with Talawanda being the smallest Division I school in Ohio, that made the achievement all the more impressive.

Oberschalke said she is sad to lose half her team, as seven of the 14 players are seniors. However, she is confident that their talent will not go to waste, as several girls are considering college offers. One standout runner, Lucia Rodbro, who placed 13th overall in the State race, has already committed to run track and cross country at the Division I University of Miami in Florida.

— Lily Schlobohm