​This summer brings back some familiar faces back to the Big Orange cross country program with WLS alumni volunteering to help with the Run Club and high school girls team.  A reminder to all of us that Big Orange is family.
 
Katelyn Stapleton is a recent graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, where she was a member of the Bishops' cross country and track and field programs.
 
"If I could tell my younger self as a runner anything it would be this-Katelyn, keep finding the joys in each run and each workout.  The workouts (with the exception of speed development because obviously it was my favorite), aren't so horrible.  They're the bread and butter that gives you the fitness needed to accomplish the things we want to achieve.  And these workouts are time spent with teammates, and that time fades fast and soon you'll be wishing you could go back, even if that means dying in the 80 degree weather on the hills of the Ohio Caverns.  It's a balance between serious and fun, commitment and enjoyment, and it's all worth it, so keep showing up, working hard and keep that fire burning."
 
Katelyn will be teaching third grade at London City Schools in the fall.
 
Megan Adams is headed into her senior year at Lee University in Tennessee, where she is majoring in Health Sciences and is a member of the Flames cross country and track and field teams.  Megan plans on pursuing her masters in Nutrition and Dietetics.
 
"Always run with joy," is what Megan would tell her younger self.  She also advises to prioritize strength training and injury prevention.
 
Addison McAuley will be a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders.  Addison is also a member of the Wildcat's club cross country and track and field teams.
 
Addison's advice to her younger self is "slow down and enjoy every second."
 
Also volunteering were Mallory Bostick, Claire Longshore and Ashley Yoder.  Mallory will be a sophomore at Otterbein University, where she's a member of the track and field team and majoring in Zoo and Conservation Science.  Claire Longshore is employed in the dental field and is planning to pursue a degree in dental hygiene.  Ashley Yoder will be a sophomore at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, majoring in Exercise Science.  She's also a member of the cross country and track and field teams.

Coach Johanna’s hobbies include going on long runs, reading a great book and trying new recipes.

Coach Smith is also a Big Orange Cross Country and Tiger Track and Field mom.  Her son, Micah is a 2023 WLS graduate and daughter Mariska runs on the cross country and track and field teams.  Her husband, Joe was a standout runner for Bellefontaine.

We know Coach Johanna will bring big energy and a wealth of knowledge to the Big Orange Running Club.  We’re thankful to her commitment to our program.

Coach Mandy is the new head girls soccer coach at West Liberty-Salem, and will be stepping down from her coaching position with the Big Orange Running Club, but we will continue to follow her coaching template.  Don’t be surprised if you see her cheering on our athletes from time to time.

Good luck, Coach Mandy!  Thank you for all your love and support.

For the first time in school history, the West Liberty-Salem girls and boys track and field programs won the district meet in the same year!

Results:  www.tigersrun.com
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Here’s the link for tickets and here is the link for directions and more information about the state meet at The Fortress in Obetz.

​DIII Southwest District Champions!
This marks the sixth consecutive district title for the Big Orange girls.

​Congratulations to our middle school Big Orange teams!  Boys State Champs and Girls State Runner-up!
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Results:  FinishTiming.com

​Congratulations to the Big Orange middle school and high school boys and girls teams who swept the OHC Championships.

The West Liberty-Salem girls cross country team will be collecting socks, hats, gloves and scarves October 10th-14th for those in need in our community.  The home rooms collecting the most items in the elementary, middle school and high school will receive a pizza party.  

If you would like to donate, but don’t have a family member attending WLS, contact Coach Ann Vogel or a member of the Big Orange cross country team.