Rams end more than two decades of waiting with historic team qualification; Pohlman and Leightey also earn return trips to State Championships
UPPER SANDUSKY, OHIO — For the first time in 24 years, the Upper Sandusky High School boys cross country team is headed to the OHSAA State Championships. What began as a season filled with determination and high expectations has turned into a historic accomplishment for a group of runners who have brought the Rams back among Ohio's best.
The Running Rams punched their ticket to state with an impressive fourth-place finish at the Division III Regional Championships on Saturday, October 31, at Hedges-Boyer Park in Tiffin. Competing against 17 qualifying teams, Upper Sandusky accumulated 167 points to secure the fourth and final team qualifying position, edging fifth-place Archbold by just four points.
The Rams have put together an outstanding 2026 campaign. Their accomplishments include capturing the Northern 10 Conference Championship with 60 points, finishing 20 points ahead of runner-up Seneca East, and earning district runner-up honors before their breakthrough regional performance.
But the journey to state has been about more than individual performances. It has been about seven runners working together, pushing one another, and understanding that every position matters.
Junior Carter Pohlman led the Rams at regionals with an outstanding eighth-place finish, covering the 5,000-meter course in a personal-best 16:19.9. Pohlman, who qualified for the State Meet individually in 2025, will make his second consecutive state appearance. This time, however, he won't be making the trip alone. He will have his teammates alongside him.
Senior Henry Minehart delivered an impressive 24th-place finish in 17:06.6, followed closely by junior Franklin Arnold, who placed 26th in 17:07.3. Junior Andrew Leightey contributed a strong 43rd-place finish in 17:33.3, while sophomore Joshua Craig completed the team's scoring five with an 87th-place finish in 18:34.1.
Seniors Christian Miller and Bryce Weyand rounded out the seven regional competitors, helping complete a team effort that secured Upper Sandusky's place in school history.
The accomplishment is especially meaningful after the Rams finished fifth at regionals in 2025, falling just short of advancing as a team. One year later, the Rams returned determined to finish what they had started.
Upper Sandusky will also be represented in the girls Division III State Championship race by senior Jocelyn Leightey, who earned her second consecutive individual state qualification with an exceptional ninth-place regional finish. Leightey ran a personal-best 19:30.8, continuing an impressive postseason that included a fourth-place district finish. The Lady Rams finished 11th as a team at regionals.
For both Pohlman and Leightey, returning to state is a remarkable individual achievement. For the boys team, however, this year's trip represents something even bigger — a long-awaited return to the state's biggest stage.
The 2026 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships will take place Saturday, November 7, at Fortress Obetz and Memorial Park, near Columbus. Leightey will compete in the Division III girls race at 1:40 p.m., followed by the Upper Sandusky boys at 2:20 p.m.
Regardless of the outcome, these student-athletes have already accomplished something special. They have represented their school and community with determination, perseverance, and pride, while giving future generations of Rams something to chase.
Twenty-four years of waiting. One unforgettable season. Seven runners. One team.
The Rams are State Bound!
WATCH THE JOURNEY TO STATE
Relive the moments, the races, and the memories that made this historic season possible in a special Upper Sandusky Cross Country highlight video.
Watch the 2026 Rams Cross Country Season Highlights: