Lexington, Kentucky, November 2, 2025
Three outstanding runners from Northern Kentucky achieved remarkable success at the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet, with Paul Van Laningham setting a new state record in the Class 3A boys’ race. Will Sheets and Dixon Ryan also clinched titles for their schools, while Northern Kentucky teams excelled overall, showcasing the athletes’ dedication and the region’s talent in cross country.
Three Northern Kentucky Runners Secure KHSAA State Cross Country Titles
Lexington, Kentucky – In a remarkable display of athleticism, three individual runners from Northern Kentucky clinched titles at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) State Cross Country Meet held on Saturday at the Kentucky Horse Park. Their outstanding performances highlight the region’s growing prominence in the sport.
Record-Breaking Performances
Paul Van Laningham, a senior from Cooper High School, set a new state record in the Class 3A boys’ 5,000-meter race, finishing in 15:01.12. This time surpassed his previous record of 15:19.87 from the previous year. Van Laningham’s victory marks the first time a Northern Kentucky runner has secured the Class 3A boys’ state title twice. Notably, his parents, Eric and Michele Van Laningham, both achieved state cross country championships in 1990, with Michele winning in 1990 and 1992 at Boone County High School. Eric now serves as the coach for the Cooper team. The runner-up in Saturday’s race finished 13 seconds behind Van Laningham, who also posted the state’s fastest 5,000-meter time this season at 14:38.50.
Will Sheets, a sophomore from Covington Catholic High School, claimed the Class 3A boys’ state title, becoming the first local runner to finish first in the large school boys’ meet since 1990. His victory adds to the region’s growing reputation in cross country.
Dixon Ryan, a senior from St. Henry High School, secured the Class 1A boys’ state title, contributing to the region’s impressive performance at the state meet.
Team Achievements
In addition to individual successes, Northern Kentucky teams also excelled. The Beechwood High School girls’ team won the Class 1A state title, marking their first state championship in cross country. The St. Henry and Conner High School boys’ teams both repeated as state champions in their respective classes.
Background Context
The KHSAA State Cross Country Meet is a premier event that brings together the best high school runners from across Kentucky. Held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the meet features races across different classifications, allowing athletes to compete against peers of similar school sizes. The recent successes of Northern Kentucky runners and teams underscore the region’s growing prominence in the sport, reflecting the dedication and talent present in the area.
Conclusion
The impressive achievements of Northern Kentucky’s runners and teams at the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet not only showcase their individual talents but also highlight the positive impact of community support and local leadership in fostering athletic excellence. As Lexington continues to nurture such initiatives, enthusiastic community engagement will be vital in maintaining this momentum for future generations of athletes. Residents are encouraged to celebrate these victories and stay involved by supporting local athletics and engaging with their community.
FAQ
Who are the Northern Kentucky runners who won KHSAA state cross country titles?
Paul Van Laningham from Cooper High School, Will Sheets from Covington Catholic High School, and Dixon Ryan from St. Henry High School secured individual titles at the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet.
What records did Paul Van Laningham set at the state meet?
Paul Van Laningham set a new state record in the Class 3A boys’ 5,000-meter race with a time of 15:01.12, surpassing his previous record of 15:19.87.
Which Northern Kentucky teams won state titles?
The Beechwood High School girls’ team won the Class 1A state title, and the St. Henry and Conner High School boys’ teams both repeated as state champions in their respective classes.
Where was the KHSAA State Cross Country Meet held?
The meet was held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | KHSAA State Cross Country Meet |
| Location | Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Notable Achievements | Record-breaking performances by Paul Van Laningham; state titles for Beechwood, St. Henry, and Conner High School teams |
| Historical Significance | First time a Northern Kentucky runner secured the Class 3A boys’ state title twice |
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