BELLAIRE SENIOR Jacob Defibaugh finished 20th at Saturday’s Division III state cross country meet in Columbus to earn All-Ohio for the second straight season.

Bellaire senior Jacob Defibaugh went to Columbus Saturday for the OHSAA’s State Cross Country Championship with his goals clearly laid out in front of him.

Things like a sub-16 time and a spot on the awards podium as an All-Ohio runner were tops on the list.

When the dust settled and 3.1 miles had been run at the Fortress Obetz, Defibaugh had accomplished the latter of the two.

For the second straight season, Defibaugh earned the distinction of All-Ohioan and for the first time he stepped onto the awards stand to be formally recognized in front of the state’s best in distance running.

“I’m happy with everything I’ve accomplished,” Defibaugh said.

Defibaugh turned in a solid time effort of 16 minutes, 23.08 seconds. He actually used a strong kick in the race’s final mile to grab the 20th place. He found himself in 27th at both the mile and two-mile markers.

“Coming into the race, I was really nervous, but I was trying to tune it out and focus on my race,” Defibaugh said. “I was just focused on sticking with the pack and slowly picking kids off as the race went on.”

Defibaugh was able to achieve that before simply running out of real estate. Just four seconds separated him and the 15th-place finisher, meaning the race was highly competitive throughout.

“I love competing and I love running,” Defibaugh said. “It’s my passion. The passion I have for it is what has carried me through the hard times and got me to where I am. All in all, I am very happy about everything.”

Buckeye Trail’s Kathryn Williams was the lone other area runner to compete at the state meet. A returning All-Ohioan, the Warriors junior placed 54th in 20 minutes, 12 seconds.