Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PICKERINGTON — Fairland cross country coach Chuck Wentz said Jessica Price has ran more this year than ever before. After last Saturday, she’ll get to run even more.

In the girls’ Division II meet, Price earned a state berth by finishing No. 12 with a 19:40.86 time Saturday at Pickerington North High School.

“(Price) has run more miles and had better workouts than she has ever ran,” said Fairland coach Chuck Wentz. “She has made the most out of her summer training and the in-season training she has done.

“Jessica came on late in the season and has been running some of the best times in school history.”

Price’s regional time was the third fastest in the program’s history. Shanan Ashton has the two best times at 19:32 and 19:46.

Ashton ran a 20:21.50 and was No. 24 overall.

“Shanan did not have her best meet. She will be back and ready to fight for one of the top spots next year,” said Wentz.

Also running for Fairland were Angel Wallace (No. 91 at 23:01.21), Kaylan Hager (No. 100 at 23:23.61), Abby Hankins (No. 109 at 23:51.88), Emma Fulks (No. 112 at 24:12.79) and Jacie Rucker (No. 121 at 26:37.67).

The Lady Dragons were No. 13 as a team with 296 total points. Allyson Malone of Alexander won the meet with a 19:14.61 time.

“We have a great group of returning runners led by these two (Price and Ashton) who will be seniors next year,” said Wentz.

The top 16 finishers advance to the state meet to be held at National Trail Raceway in Hebron. The boys’ Div. II meet begins at 2:15 p.m. The girls’ Div. II meet is at 11:45 a.m.