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A JOINT PROCLAMATION AND RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE STATE CHAMPION GAHANNA LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACH RYAN CALLIHAN
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WHEREAS: On November 1, 2025, the Gahanna Lincoln High School Girls Cross Country Team brought home its first State Championship in the history of the Girls Cross Country program, soaring to victory and becoming Division 1 State Champions at the 2025 OHSAA Girls Cross Country State Championship: and
WHEREAS: The 2025 meet marked the program’s third consecutive appearance and seventh appearance overall, reflecting a sustained level of excellence and commitment at the highest level of competition; and
WHEREAS: The GLHS Girls Cross Country Team has excelled both athletically and also academically, achieving an outstanding team average GPA of 4.089, with all seven State racers earning Academic All-Ohio honors, and all 12 athletes ranking among the Top 60 all-time performers in Gahanna Lincoln Cross Country history, including four athletes ranking in the all-time Top 10; and
WHEREAS: The GLHS Girls Cross Country Team is represented by Seniors Ruby Lewis, who will continue her running career at The Ohio State University, Rachel Ille and Olivia Smeck, who will continue competing for the University of Dayton; along with Juniors Rebecca Shope, Dylan Yost and Abigail Young; and Sophomore Jillian Gomez; and
WHEREAS: Head Coach Ryan Callihan was named Ohio Capital Conference (OCC) Coach of the Year, reflecting not only the program’s competitive success, but also his exceptional leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes; and
WHEREAS: Through the guidance of Coach Callihan and Assistant Coaches Maddie Foster, Chloe Callihan, David Long, and Megan King, the program is strengthened by a growing culture rooted in unity, discipline, resilience, and genuine connection, thriving under a true sense of family that encourages athletes to support one another, overcome challenges, build confidence, and grow as leaders both on and off the course; and
WHEREAS: The members of the GLHS Girls Cross Country Team and their coaches have been a source of great admiration and pride for the City of Gahanna through their hard work, sportsmanship and inspiring team spirit, and the City proudly recognizes the GLHS Athletic Department and all of the people who have supported the program for their role in these remarkable achievements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR AND RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That the City of Gahanna hereby recognizes and extends its sincere congratulations to the Gahanna Lincoln High School Girls Cross Country Team for earning the program’s first State Championship title.
Section 2. That the City of Gahanna commends the athletes for their remarkable dedication, perseverance, and team spirit, all of which are qualities that have strengthened our community and brought pride to the City of Gahanna.
Section 3. That the City of Gahanna recognizes and extends its heartfelt congratulations to Head Coach Ryan Callihan on being named Coach of the Year, and commends him for his leadership, his commitment to excellence, and the positive culture he has built within the program, all of which have contributed significantly to the athletes’ success both on and off the course.
Section 4. That this Joint Proclamation and Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.