The Bulldogs have won five straight regional championships, counting the one they grabbed last weekend. When asked about the streak, coach Jeff Howard put it simply.

 

“We are on quite a run.” Howard said.

 

Making Woodridge’s recent history more impressive is easy. Just point out the three straight state championships the Bulldogs have won. They hope to make it four in a row Saturday.

 

“Our team goal is definitely to win next weekend.” said junior Jimmy Charles after finishing third in the Youngstown Regional.

 

Charles was one of three juniors to finish in the top six for Woodridge.

 

“The regional race definitely gives me more confidence.” Charles said. “Hopefully we have another good race at the state meet.”

 

Coach Howard agreed with Charles about building confidence after winning the regional meet.

 

“It means a lot. This is the most challenging region in the state.” Howard said of the Youngstown regional. “Whoever gets out of here usually does well at state.”

 

The region will create plenty of familiar competition for Woodridge. The three other teams to escape the region are all from Summit County. St. Vincent-St. Mary, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy and Archbishop Hoban are all in the field of 15 schools looking to put an end to Woodridge’s streak.

 

Hudson is in a completely different position from Woodridge. The Explorers are headed to Scioto Downs for the first time in three years. They are doing so with a district and regional title in hand. Coach Rod O’Donnell knows those don’t necessarily mean anything when it comes to what will happen in Columbus.

 

“The state meet is an entirely different ball game.” O’Donnell said.

 

The Hudson coach attributes that to the mental approach that teams take down in Columbus. He points out some teams are happy with just making it to Columbus while others are really trying to win.

 

O’Donnell likes where his team is at right now after a year that has tested them. The team that won the regional title had never raced as a full team until that meet for various reasons. That gives Hudson a deep and experienced crew headed to Columbus.

 

“These kids have done great all year.” O’Donnell said. “We’ve taught them that there are no peaks or valleys.”

 

O’Donnell says the coaches have also taught one other lesson that should help his team be prepared mentally.

 

“We’ve talked all year about not being satisfied, to stay hungry.” O'Donnell said.

 

Also, unlike Woodridge, Hudson will not be competing with any local teams in Columbus. The Explorers will see a few familiar individuals in Columbus, most notably is Green seniors Dylan Papp and Kyle Wheeler. Following the regional race last Saturday in a rainy Boardman, Wheeler joked about what that race could help him with headed into state.

 

“It will help if the state track is going to be this muddy.” Wheeler said.

 

Wheeler certainly hopes that his success can continue and his coach Shawn Thomas believes it can.

 

“Kyle keeps getting stronger every week.” Thomas said.

 

If he continues to improve, the rest of the racers at the state meet better be prepared.