RACINE, Ohio — The Southern High School Cross Country team is running its way into the record books. For the first time in school history, the Tornadoes have qualified for the State Championship, taking place Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Obetz.
Led by Coach Tim Prange, the team clinched its state berth with a stellar performance at the Regional Meet on October 25, after earning the title of District Champions the week before— another first for the program.
The cross-country team members are Andre Chandler, Noah Leachman, Cohen Roush, Braydin Thomas, Landen Smith, Drew Lewis, Wyatt Turner, and Dayton Reiber.
Adding to the celebration, senior Andre Chandler also qualified individually for the state competition.
“Andre is the spark that drives this team,” said Coach Prange. “He’s an outstanding leader who gives 110% every day. Even if our team hadn’t qualified, Andre would have made it as an individual — that shows just how good he is.”
Coach Prange credited the team’s success to years of hard work and steady improvement.
“This has been a process that started a few years ago,” he explained. “Two years ago, we were 4th in the TVC and 10th in Districts. Last year we won the TVC, finished 3rd at Districts, and advanced to Regionals. This year, we won the TVC again, placed first at Districts, and now we’re heading to State. It’s been all about the effort and teamwork.”
“I could not be prouder of our Southern High School Cross Country team and Coach Prange. What this group has accomplished is truly historic — not only for our athletics program but for our entire school community. Their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance show what it means to be a Southern Tornado,” noted SHS Principal Mr. Daniel Otto. “This milestone proves that when our students set big goals, support one another, and work hard, amazing things can happen. Congratulations to Coach Prange, Andre, and every runner on the team for representing Southern with such pride and heart. We are cheering you on at state!”
“I want to congratulate Coach Prange and the entire Southern High School Cross Country team on this incredible accomplishment. Making it to the state championship for the first time in school history is a testament to the team’s commitment, perseverance, and unity,” said Southern Local Schools Superintendent Mr. Tony Deem. “This achievement reflects the very best of what we strive for in our district — excellence, teamwork, and pride in our community. I’m especially proud of how these student-athletes represent not only Southern High School but the entire district.”
For many of the runners, this historic moment means more than just medals — it’s about representing their school and community.
“It feels amazing,” said senior Andre Chandler. “Southern’s Cross Country has never made it to the state championship as a team, and representing Racine means the world to me. All our hard work has finally paid off.”
“It feels really rewarding,” added senior Noah Leachman. “Knowing all the hard work and effort we all put in to reach the level we've attained. Since this feat has never been done before in school history, it made it even more of a reason why we wanted to get there. We want to represent our school as successful and bring it respect, and by doing this, I believe we have taken a step in that direction.”
“It feels great to make it to states after all the work we put in being the first team ever to make it in Southern history,” said junior Cohen Roush. “My team helped me reach this level by working hard in practice.”
“Becoming a state qualifier is a huge deal,” said junior Landen Smith. “Everyone pushes each other — that’s what’s made this season so impressive.”
“It feels pretty good knowing we’re going to compete at the highest level,” Drew Lewis, a junior, shared. “We all push each other in practice which prepares us for meets.”
“Qualifying for state has been our goal since last season,” said junior Braydin Thomas. “We’ve been pushing each other to be our best in every practice and every race.”
“It feels amazing to be part of this team,” added sophomore Wyatt Turner. “We motivate each other — whether through friendly banter or encouragement — and that’s what got us here.”
Freshman Dayton Reiber summed it up: “Everyone’s always pushing each other to do better. It’s incredible to be part of the first team in school history to reach state.”
Coach Prange’s impact extends far beyond race results. His runners describe him as a mentor who inspires through discipline, positivity, and powerful advice.
“After a race, you don't want to have the capability to have said, ‘Oh, I could have run faster,’ or ‘I wasn't really trying this meet,’ or ‘if this or that, " noted Leachman. “He always wants us to try our hardest and do our best, no matter what.”
“The best piece of advice coach Prange has given me is to trust my training because even when I feel like I can't do any more,” said Chandler, “I think back to that and know that I can because of the work I have put in.”
For the seniors, this season will be one they’ll never forget.
“Mr. Prange has believed in us since the beginning, stating that it was our team's goal to make it to the state level. He has not had a single doubt about us and has kept all of us accountable towards this goal,” said Leachman. “He even runs with us during our practices as a man who is in his 60s. The bonding and discipline he created with this team is something I will never forget.”
“My favorite memory has got to be qualifying for state or winning districts, which neither has ever been done in the history of the school,” Chandler shared.
Mr. Prange is delighted the team has a chance to compete at the state level.
“Since this isn't one of the major sports at school, we appreciate all the support of the families and teachers here at school,” Prange concluded.
The Cross Country runners would also like to thank their family, friends and community members for all their support. They also shared what they’ve learned from being in cross country beyond how to excel at running.
“Cross country has taught me discipline, the importance of a good work ethic, and team bonding,” Leachman said.
"It taught me discipline and friendship. The friendships I have created with this team I will forever cherish, and the discipline it has instilled in me will be something I never forget," Chandler mentioned.
“Cross country has taught me to never give up and to have self-discipline,” Roush shared.
“You can do anything you put your mind to,” Lewis added.
“Cross Country has taught me many lessons beyond just running. For example, it has taught me that teamwork is the most important thing in running,” Smith shared. “Without a team, it's hard to make yourself better as a runner without support and running against others. Cross Country has also taught me perseverance and mental toughness is a key component because pushing yourself and not giving up will lead you to success.”
“Cross Country has taught me to never give up and no matter how hard it gets to keep on going, just like in a race,” Thomas explained.
“The lesson Cross Country has taught me is to persevere. Every race you run you will think about giving up when you're tired. It's up to you to fight the thoughts and finish strong,” Turner stated.
“I have learned that if you push through, the result will be worth it,” Reiber concluded.
The Southern High School Cross Country team will compete in the 2025 Ohio State Cross Country Championships on Saturday, November 1, in Obetz, starting at 10 A.M. For tickets, click here.
