Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
For nearly 40 years, Beth Kohler has served as Gibsonburg’s head cross country coach for the girls and boys teams. After having a successful season last year, Kohler is confident that her athletes know what it takes to be leaders and come out on top.
During the 2025 season, the girls placed third in the conference, advancing the team to regionals. A major contributor to that team was Jorja Flores, a 2025 state qualifier who ranked ninth on Gibsonburg’s record board as a freshman. She posted a season-best time of 20:26 at the state championships.
Flores, now a sophomore, is just one of the key returners for the team. Some of the other top returners include seniors Macey Kohler (a three-time regional qualifier), Olivia Reed, Sky Oman, junior Lillian Kendel and sophomore Claire Mapus.
“Macey and Olivia have already set themselves up to be great team leaders with their commitment and work ethic,” Kohler said. “Our newcomers have shown a great deal of potential, which will help our team to follow up on last year’s successes.”
The Golden Bears will have to replace one senior from last year, Sophia Garnica, who Kohler said provided valuable leadership, commitment and positivity.
Among the newcomers is freshman Sydney Aldrich, who had a successful season last year as an eighth grader. Sophomore Peyton Hineline and freshman Chloe Jividen are new to the sport.
As for the boys team, which placed sixth in the conference last year, there are several key returners expected to thrive off the foundation laid by last year’s graduating seniors.
Kohler highlighted senior Xander Zimmerman and junior Keaton Sheidler, along with sophomores Isaiah Crispen, Griffin Garza and Zander Shreffler, as being consistently a part of the team’s top seven runners last season. Jacob Aelker is also a key returner as a senior.
“The team’s summer running has gone very well, with Xander stepping strongly into a leadership role,” Kohler said. “Our new runners show a great deal of promise, and we are returning a strong core of runners.”
Some of the newcomers include freshmen Garrett Allen, Elijah Boulee, Avery Bowser and Sam Haslinger.
After the team graduated seniors Tyler Hill (two-time state qualifier) and Gabe McCrory (2025 regional qualifier), Kohler said the new runners’ efforts will not go unnoticed.
“Their dedication and hard work will be needed to fill the holes left by Tyler’s and Gabe’s graduation,” Kohler said.
