Mentor’s Dennison takes individual title, Hawken, Gilmour claim team crowns at Madison district

The following article was posted on the News-Herald’s website.

On a wet and cold day, it was personal-best time for a profusion runners during the district meets held at Madison on Oct. 23. With team and individual spots on the line, the muddy course didn’t intimidate the athletes.

In the D-I race, Mentor junior Savannah Dennison returned to a course she had never lost at, and a chance to win her third straight individual title. But her unblemished record was challenged by Shaker Heights senior Mia Compton-Engle.

After a close first two miles, Dennison pulled away in the final mile for that third title while also setting her new personal record at 17:54.56. The Cardinals runner knew that she needed to not let her pace be dictated by her opposition.

 

“Today’s race was all about strategy,” said Dennison. “I came into the race and knew that I could run a good time and be second place, but I knew I needed to give it my all. I know how Mia likes to run. So I had to let her go out since I don’t want to burn myself out. I had to be strong and up front at the end.”