Columbus East High School

The Columbus East girls cross-country team concluded their season with a 7th-place finish at the IHSAA sectional meet at Eagle Park in Brown County, Indiana, with a team score of 200. Although the Olympians did not qualify as a team for the regional competition, three individual runners earned spots to advance to next weekend's IHSAA Regional in Evansville. Madison Swartzentruber, Ainslee Shaw, and Elizabeth Sztaba will continue their postseason journey, having qualified as top 15 individuals from non-advancing teams. Their strong performances ensure that Columbus East will still be represented on the regional stage. Leading the way for East was Madison Swartzentruber, who placed 35th with a time of 22:55. Close behind was Ainslee Shaw, finishing 36th in 23:02.7. Elizabeth Sztaba (42nd, 23:49.5), Amelia Fay (47th, 24:09.4), and Abigail Collins (50th, 24:26.1) rounded out the team’s scoring, with a five-runner average of 23:40. Also contributing were Delaney Rogers (51st, 24:39) and Hayden Carothers (54th, 25:06.1). While the team’s journey ends at sectionals, the Columbus East cross-country spirit will live on through the efforts of Madison Swartzentruber, Ainslee Shaw, and Elizabeth Sztaba, who will proudly represent the Olympians at the IHSAA Regional. Their dedication and success reflect the heart and determination of the entire team.