The morning air at Marlington High School carried that unmistakable October chill — the kind that makes it a perfect day for running, and an even better day for history.
By the end of the Eastern Buckeye Conference (EBC) championship meet, there was no mistaking which program owned the course. Both the Minerva boys and girls cross-country teams left their mark — and their footprints — all over it.
The Lions swept the EBC titles Saturday, winning both team championships in decisive fashion. Senior Rowen Hoffee crossed the line first in 16:10.5, capturing the individual conference crown and leading Minerva’s boys to their latest title with just 26 points.
For Hoffee, the victory carried more weight than a gold medal.
“It’s like a championship game for us,” Hoffee said, still catching his breath moments after the finish. “Winning the EBC title was the goal all year. Last season I finished fifth overall — this year, I wanted to prove something. This is the best race I’ve ever run, and it means a lot to do it as a senior.”
Behind him, a wave of crimson followed: freshman Anderson Scott (4th, 16:47.7), senior Owen Yoder (5th, 16:58.8), sophomore Tyson Fetty (6th, 17:05.9) and junior Fox Johnson (10th, 17:36.0) — a lineup that’s both balanced and bold.
Head coach Olivia Scott called it the most complete performance she’s seen all season.
“This was our strongest race on both sides,” she said. “Rowen ran like a true leader, and I think he’s going to be the EBC Runner of the Year. The boys are ranked fifth in the state, and the girls are second. The postseason is where the fun begins.”
But Saturday’s race wasn’t just about speed — it was about strength.
One of the day’s most powerful stories belonged to sophomore Tyson Fetty, who ran a gutsy race less than two weeks after his mother, Kristie Fetty, was seriously injured in a car crash on Route 43. A mother of five, Kristie remains hospitalized as she continues to recover.
“Tyson’s perseverance through all this has been incredible,” Coach Scott said. “He’s at practice, he’s racing hard, and he’s doing it for his mom. Kristie’s a huge supporter of Minerva athletics, and the team’s been rallying around the family. They’ve raised nearly $1,600 in donations, gift cards, and gas cards to help out. It shows how close this group really is.”
On the girls’ side, the Lions were just as dominant — and just as determined.
Sophomore Tateum Richard and junior Makenzie Beavers ran shoulder-to-shoulder to finish second (19:23.0) and third (19:23.4), with freshman Charlie Galley (4th, 20:16.8) and sophomore Addison Keyser (5th, 20:17.4) close behind. Freshman Chloe Carson (18th, 21:50.1) sealed the scoring to give Minerva a team total of 32 points, securing another conference crown for the program.
Scott said the week leading up to the EBC meet was filled with “spirit days” and “secret siblings,” small bonding traditions that keep things light amid the grind of training.
“Running is hard,” she said with a smile. “But these athletes understand what it means to be part of something bigger. We have a special group here — they’re fast, but they also have heart. That’s what wins championships.”
Now, as the team prepares for districts next week and regionals beyond that, Hoffee and his teammates have their sights set on one more goal.
“We want to carry this momentum into the postseason,” Hoffee said. “We’d love to finish top five at state. That hasn’t happened for the boys in 20 years.”
And if Saturday’s EBC sweep is any sign of what’s to come — Minerva just might be ready to make that kind of history again.
